Mark Burlace, Deputy Executive Director RISING

Mark started his career at Auckland's Maidment Theatre in technical production, where he became Technical Director. In 1999 he moved to the UK, beginning a long association with Assembly Theatre in Edinburgh, first as Head of Lighting, before moving into the role of Technical Director.

In 2002 Mark represented Selecon New Zealand, a large entertainment and architecture lighting manufacturer, as the Sales and Marketing Manager based in New York. He returned to New Zealand to join Auckland Arts Festival as Associate Director, establishing and delivering its first festival in 2003. During his time at AAF, Mark led the major events portfolio and in 2011 he was appointed the Project Director for Rugby World Cup’s fan zone, trade and tourism precinct at Queens Wharf.

Mark joined Melbourne Festival in 2014 as Head of Programming and is now Deputy Executive Director of RISING following its formation in 2019.

Mark is a board member of Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival, Aotearoa.