Visionary musician, creative and entrepreneur Bourby Webster joins ECU
The creative force behind the ground-breaking Perth Symphony Orchestra has been appointed as Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) new Director of Creative Activation and Public Engagement.
Bourby Webster joins the university to lead the public experience and immersive activation realm for the landmark $853 million ECU City project, set to open in semester one, 2026.
Known as a multi-talented performer, sportsperson and business leader, Ms Webster brings a unique fusion of artistry and commercial acumen to the newly established role.
Ms Webster will oversee strategic creative partnerships and public engagement to deliver dynamic and interactive cultural experiences that embody creativity, technology, business and education.
ECU Vice-President (Engagement) Sonia Mackay-Coghill said the appointment reinforces ECU’s commitment to the Perth City Deal to bring vibrancy, activation and population into the heart of the CBD.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bourby to ECU and we look forward to forging incredible, new opportunities to deliver creative and innovative experiences for our students, staff and the broader Western Australian community,” Ms Mackay-Coghill said.
“This role will help us realise groundbreaking new collaborations with our celebrated cultural institutions to bring the city to life with iconic, educative and sensory experiences that tell our unique Western Australian stories.
“This is a strategic appointment for ECU and it’s a space that we see as being vitally important in shaping a university experience that is like no other.
“ECU City will attract the world’s brightest minds in arts, culture, business, technology and education to create a globally recognised hub for immersive experiences right here in Perth.”
Ms Webster said she was looking forward to the exciting opportunities ahead that will put Perth on the world stage.
“With its proximity to Perth’s cultural precinct, new technologies and a growing talent pipeline of local and international creatives, there are extraordinary possibilities working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders that truly changes the narrative around arts, culture, innovation and how we do business in Western Australia," Ms Webster said.
Prior to joining ECU, Ms Webster was the founder of the Perth Symphony Orchestra, which she led as CEO and Creative Director for 12 years. She founded music production and artist development company North Street Music in 2007 and has extensive experience in business development and marketing within a diverse range of industries.
Ms Webster’s remarkable track record has been recognised with awards including the 2019 Western Australian of the Year (Arts and Culture) and the 2022 Business News Inaugural Power 500.
ECU City will be Perth’s first fully comprehensive, inner-city university with more than 10,000 staff and students arriving from semester one, 2026.
The $853 million landmark project is part of the $1.66 billion Perth City Deal, and is a collaboration between the Australian Government, Western Australian Government and ECU.