Chunky Move appoints Suzanne Daley as new executive director

Southbank-based contemporary dance company Chunky Move has announced the appointment of Suzanne Daley as its new executive director, with the respected arts leader set to join artistic director Antony Hamilton in a new joint leadership team from June.

Daley’s appointment marks an important transition for one of Australia’s leading contemporary dance companies following the departure of former executive director Kristy Ayre, who has taken up a new role with the City of Melbourne after seven years at Chunky Move.

Chunky Move chair Sally Calder said Daley would bring the right experience and leadership to guide the company through its next phase.

“Suzanne is a highly regarded, experienced and capable arts leader. We are thrilled to have her join us,” she said.

For Southbank, the appointment is another significant moment for one of the precinct’s key cultural institutions, with Chunky Move continuing to play an important role in Melbourne’s wider arts ecosystem from its home in the city’s arts district.

Daley said joining the company was a particularly meaningful opportunity.

“As a lifelong Melburnian, I always look forward to the latest work from Chunky Move,” she said.

“I am delighted to join the company and to work alongside Antony to further extend his bold artistic vision, drive forward the artform of dance, and take Chunky’s works to more audiences around Australia and the world.”

Daley brings an extensive background across the Australian arts sector. She began her career at Live Performance Australia, where she worked on industry policy, research, advocacy and strategic projects, before joining Arts Centre Melbourne’s leadership team in 2015.

There, she contributed to strategic planning, policy and risk frameworks and played a role in securing government investment for the Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne project. Later, as director of philanthropy, she established the Imagine Anew capital campaign and led major giving initiatives supporting projects, including Asia TOPA, inclusive theatre programs and technical training initiatives.

More recently, Daley joined Performing Lines as interim general manager in June 2025, working with independent artists to produce contemporary performance. She is also a 2025 Hansen CEW Leader’s Program scholar, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has served on the Auspicious Arts board for 15 years, including as chair since 2024.

Hamilton said he was looking forward to working alongside Daley at a time of renewed momentum for the company.

“I’m excited to be working alongside Suzanne, who brings a wealth of sector experience and personal enthusiasm to Chunky Move,” he said.

“The time is right for new energy within the company and Suzanne’s expertise will continue to drive our purpose of creating genre-defying contemporary dance with strategic intention.”

Chunky Move was established in 1995 and has grown into one of Australia’s most influential arts organisations, known for bold, visually striking and collaborative work that pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance.

The company also acknowledged Michaela Coventry, who has been supporting Chunky Move as interim executive director ahead of Daley’s full-time start in July. •