MARIE-LOUISE THEILE

Creative Director, James Street Initiative

After 22 years working in print and electronic media, in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney (News Anchor for Network 10) and New York (Elle magazine, News Ltd), Marie-Louise was invited by a group of visionary property developers to establish an organisation that would focus on developing and promoting a unique inner-city precinct renewal project, James Street.

Named the James Street Initiative – the organisation has grown to represent and promote over 140 retailers in a collaborative, organic and at times unconventional way. Aiming to capture and nurture the unique positioning of the street – JSI’s events and promotions have been developed with a focus on the neighbourhood of like-minded creative retailers – forward-thinking entrepreneurs offering genuine and original retail experiences.

In the role of Creative Director Marie-Louise has overseen the development and implementation of a visionary calendar of annual events including, the James Street RESORT festival – an Urban Vacation, Marie Claire Up Late fashion night, Art on James, In Design Up Late and the James St Food & Wine Trail. She has also worked in the development of innovative methods to promote the precinct and engage with consumers.

Marie-Louise is a former Chair and Director of the board of the Institute of Modern Art and has worked for the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the State Government’s Creative Industries.