Circus Oz Appoints New General Manager

Circus Oz is pleased to announce the appointment of the fabulous Alonso Pineda as the Company’s new General Manager

MELBOURNE, 20 DECEMBER 2022 — Announcing the appointment, Circus Oz Chairperson, Regina Hill, said “Alonso brings the perfect mix of skills and experience to Circus Oz – he comes with an entrepreneurial spirit and a global perspective, and with excellent experience working in the arts industry having worked in management, programming and leadership roles. His community spirit and respect for the history of this iconic Company and the potential of it and its Members is infectious. We are excited to have Alonso on board!”

As General Producer of La Teatreria in Mexico City, Mr Pineda led an ambitious project creating the venue before moving into its ongoing management as Creative Producer, Curator and Programmer. Having recently completed a Masters Degree in Directing for Performance at the Victorian College of the Arts, Mr Pineda has the sort of diverse, creative and collaborative skill set that has been a hallmark of Circus Oz people for over 45 years.

Ms Hill said “While these last two years have been difficult ones for Circus Oz, the spirit and enthusiasm of the Company has remained intact. Rumours of our demise have been wildly exaggerated; we have gleefully survived! We are delighted to have Alonso joining us as our new General Manager.”

“The Circus Oz Board and I look forward to working with Alonso to take the much-loved Circus Oz forward, ensuring that we continue to delight audiences in a classic but contemporary Circus Oz style through one of the most accessible and joyful art forms.”

Mr Pineda is thrilled to be appointed, “It is an honour to be part of the new phase of this Australian icon. It fills me with joy and excitement to become part of the Circus Oz family as the Company’s new General Manager.”

“I look forward to working directly with the artists that are the foundations of the organisation, revisiting the soul of Circus Oz and supporting the original new work we will bring to the

broadest possible audience in 2023. I am excited to connect new young voices with the expertise of the Company Members to offer original, influential and contemporary work that has a significant and distinctive place in our cultural landscape.”

“I will strive to keep the Company as a diverse, inclusive, and safe space for the creation of work that strengthens Australia’s social fabric through positive messages, and to keep building on the proud history of leadership that Circus Oz has in the circus arts in Australia and worldwide.”

Alonso will commence in January, joining the team at its home in Collingwood.