Simon Abrahams is Creative Director & CEO of Melbourne Fringe, where he is recognised as one of Australia’s arts and cultural leaders. Simon is a life member of Theatre Network Australia, an organisation he co-founded then Chaired from 2010-2017. His work has focused on developing artistic programs which provide platforms for the work of young people, brave artists, emerging artforms and big ideas. Simon is best known for creating transformational artistic and strategic frameworks for organisations including Polyglot Theatre, the Wheeler Centre, Arts Centre Melbourne, and Gasworks Arts Park. He currently sits on the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Council for Volunteering and the Theatre Panel for the Helpmann Awards, and is an Australian ISPA Fellow (2017-19). In 2015, Simon completed a research project investigating theatre for young people in Belgium, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. Simon regularly works as a facilitator, host, performer, peer assessor and arts consultant.

Melbourne Fringe is Victoria’s largest multi-artform festival.