Speaker Profile

Anthony Bastic AM

Anthony Bastic is a pioneer in conceptualising, producing and delivering major public events and celebrations in Australia and overseas.

For almost 30 years, Anthony has been finding new ways to connect with audiences by drawing inspiration from history, culture, art and technology.

His talents and achievements are significant, having initiated Noël Sydney (2023) and ELEVATE Sydney (2022) as stunning new events for Sydneysiders, as well as Parrtjima – A Festival of Light, an indigenous festival for visitors and locals in Alice Springs since 2016. Anthony was instrumental in establishing Vivid Sydney and held positions of Curator and Festival Director of Light for a decade.

During his influential career, Anthony served as Public Programs Manager for the Sydney Opera House from 1997–2000 and was the Creative Director of Sydney’s ‘Live Sites’ during the 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This program earned Sydney the reputation of ‘the Party Games’ and was adopted by the International Olympic Committee as a blueprint for future Olympic Host Cities.

Prior to the Olympics, Anthony worked for Sydney City Council and was responsible for designing a series of large-scale public celebrations in the lead up to Sydney being awarded the Olympic Host City.

Anthony’s ingenuity as creative director has been called upon for many high-profile events, including the Sydney Invictus Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies (2018), the Melbourne Commonwealth Games (2006), the Rugby World Cup (2003) and the Sydney Olympic & Paralympic Games Live Sites (2000).

In 2006, Anthony established AGB Events to design and create high-profile events in Australia. AGB Events has initiated and managed inspiring and leading-edge experiences in some of the world’s most iconic locations. Highlights have included Sydney Invictus Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies (2018), the Cairns Festival (2017–2019), developing the creative strategy and state-wide programming for EXPO2020 Dubai, and Art Gallery of NSW Opening Celebrations (2022). The team curated the first Australian exhibition to be shown at The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Beauty Rich & Rare (commission by the National Library of Australia) in 2020.

Anthony has proven that truly immersive experiences bring people together. Through passionate storytelling and sensory entertainment, Anthony unites communities. He is committed to continuing to shape Australian events and share our cultural voice around the globe.

In 2023 Anthony was appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contribution to the special event industry.