Creative Capital Arts Trust is delighted to share the news that Luke Eisemann has been appointed as the New Zealand Fringe Festival Director.
Luke brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and understanding to the role, having been part of the NZ Fringe team since 2022 in a variety of positions, including Operations Manager. Throughout his time with the festival, Luke has been instrumental in developing the systems, relationships, and artist-centred approach that underpin NZ Fringe today. His appointment reflects the strength of CCAT’s commitment to development and succession planning, with Luke’s journey demonstrating how emerging arts leaders grow within the organisation to step into senior leadership roles.
Alongside his years of experience in events, Luke is a theatre maker with an extensive creative practice nationally and internationally. Trained in theatre at NYU in New York and having worked internationa
lly before settling in Wellington, Luke brings a strong artist-first perspective to the role, informed by lived experience as a writer, director, producer, venue manager and performer. Most recently, he spent time with New Zealand International Film Festival, WellingtonNZ and CubaDupa, bringing with him a wide range of festival and event management experience.
“NZ Fringe has no doubt been a formative part of my life in Wellington. As an artist, a producer, and as part of the team behind the scenes, I care deeply about this festival and the artists who make it what it is. I’m excited to step into this role and work alongside the community to support bold, independent work and continue growing the festival’s impact in Pōneke and beyond.” says Luke.
Luke’s appointment represents both continuity and momentum for the festival this season. His deep institutional knowledge, combined with his international theatre background and collaborative leadership style, positions him strongly to lead NZ Fringe into its next chapter.
We’re excited to see him bring his blend of operational expertise, creative understanding, and genuine care for artists and audiences. He knows this festival inside and out, and he understands the wider arts ecology locally and internationally. We’re thrilled to have him stepping into the Director role and look forward to working with him again.
Creative Capital Arts Trust extends its gratitude to our outgoing Festival Director, Vanessa Stacey, who served as Director of the New Zealand Fringe Festival from 2021 and stepped down in January due to health reasons, with our sincere thanks for her significant contribution.
