The SIMA board is delighted to announce the appointment of Alex Raupach as CEO.

Alex was general manager at the Canberra International Music Festival before delivering government arts and sector development programs for both the ACT Government and the Australia Council for the Arts.

He brings insight and relationships across the Australian music sector, particularly from his work assisting early career creative music artists through his consultancy Make Good Music Happen. His own creative practice as an improviser, composer and project leader saw him nominated for the Freedman Jazz Fellowship in 2021.

“Alex is the right person to lead SIMA into its fifth decade” said SIMA Chair Alex Masso. “His skills, experience and energy are a perfect match for where we want to take SIMA at this exciting time. His deep understanding of and care for music is a huge bonus.”

Alex Raupach said, “SIMA has been the champion of generations of great Australian music and it is an honour to lead it forward. Its recent successes position it for a bold new chapter.”

“I’ll get out of bed each day to work for the music and the musicians I love: the jazz masters who have inspired my musical life, and the blazing young talents who ignite my excitement for the bright unknown ahead of us. I’m in this role to help them do their best work and dream the future of what Australian music can be.”

Program Director Zoe Hauptmann said, “Alex has an understanding of the Australian musical landscape that will be invaluable to the SIMA family. We are excited for what will come under his leadership.”

Alex has already commenced in the role in a transitional capacity to set the course for SIMA’s next phase. He will move to Sydney in November after completing his next creative project, with SIMA’s marketing manager Reuben White taking on additional operational responsibilities during the transition.

SIMA also thanks outgoing CEO Amy Curl, whose vision and dedication have left the organisation in a strong position. We wish Amy all the best in her new role.