Stuart Buchanan works as Head of Screen for Sydney Opera House, leading a multi-artform program that celebrates all facets of screen, digital and film culture, through the year-round presentation of ground-breaking and thought-provoking work delivered both on-site and online. In 2020, Stuart commissioned the Opera House’s acclaimed arts streaming platform, Stream, and continues to curate its library of live recordings and original films.
He also runs the experimental music initiative New Weird Australia, which supports new, eclectic and experimental Australian music through various evolving projects.
As a senior leader, consultant, and advisor, he has enjoyed a 30-year career working with Australian and international arts organisations. His multi-artform experience spans commercial and subsidised sectors, with executive roles in strategy, curation, program development, production, and marketing. He has an industry-recognised track record of innovation and a passion for the work of emerging artists and new forms of practice.
He was formerly Chair of Underbelly Arts, Executive Producer of Creative Sydney, and Head of Content for TEDx Sydney. As a broadcaster, Stuart has presented programs on ABC Double J, FBi Radio and UK station Resonance FM, and was the recipient of a National Community Broadcasting Award for ‘Excellence In Music Programming’.
In 2010 Stuart co-founded The Nest, an award-winning creative agency for the arts and creative industries, and led its commercial acquisition in 2014. He has produced web and digital projects for artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Depeche Mode and Goldfrapp, with whom he won an MTV Europe Web Award.
As an artist, he has staged performance works and interventions in London and Glasgow, released several albums and soundtracks, and published outsider manifestos, tracts and essays.
Born and raised in Scotland, he now lives in the Blue Mountains, on the lands of the Darug people.