The performing arts community is paying tribute to the late Fiona Winning, one of Australia’s most influential theatremakers and arts leaders.

A visionary advocate, producer, dramaturg and, more recently, a programmer of both the Sydney Festival and, from 2018–2024, the Sydney Opera House, Winning did much to influence Sydney’s cultural landscape across theatre, dance and contemporary performance.

Fiona Winning.

“We will always remember Fiona’s warmth, leadership and unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity, and her legacy will continue to inspire the arts community she loved so dearly,” wrote staff of the Sydney Festival in a tribute post.

After training in Brisbane, Winning got her start working with Queensland community-based companies Street Arts and the Popular Theatre Troupe. She moved to Sydney to work with the western suburbs-based Death Defying Theatre, which would eventually become Urban Theatre Projects (UTP).

As Director of Performance Space from 1999 to 2008, Winning nurtured generations of artists, developed festivals and residencies, and played a key role in the creation of Carriageworks as a contemporary arts hub.

She also co-curated Siteworks – a conversation between artists, environmentalists and scholars – at Bundanon, convened the Australian Theatre Forum and was a co-designer of NIDA’s pioneering MFA in Cultural Leadership.

Winning was a tireless advocate for artists, arts workers and audience members with disability and served on the board of Accessible Arts for three years.

“Her insights and leadership have shaped the direction of our organisation in meaningful ways, and her legacy will continue to inspire our work,” wrote an Accessible Arts spokesperson.

“We have lost not only a remarkable colleague, but a beautiful soul whose warmth, wisdom and commitment touched all who had the privilege to work alongside her.”

A memorial event will be held at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 13 October in the Joan Sutherland Theatre.