Vanessa Pigrum

For more than 25 years, Vanessa has led performing arts organisations across theatre, dance, multi-arts festivals and performance venues.

Vanessa started her professional career as a theatre director and producer of major events before moving into arts programming and executive or CEO roles for Melbourne Fringe Festival, Victorian College of the Arts, Arts Centre Melbourne, Darebin Creative Culture, Chunky Move contemporary dance and Theatre Royal Hobart.

In roles outside of the arts Vanessa was CEO of Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership (2018-2023) and Director, Culture & Engagement for the Michael Buxton Family Office (2023-2024), whilst offering leadership coaching services to emerging and mid-career arts managers.

Vanessa is a Board Director of Ten Days on the Island festival (Tasmania).

Vanessa is delighted to step into the Acting CEO role of Orchestra Victoria and support a thriving culture in a vibrant and adventurous orchestra during Jacinta Ewers' parental leave.