Industry Insights
WHY THIS TOP PROPERTY EXEC VOWS TO NEVER MISS ANOTHER BURNING MAN FESTIVAL
BY SANDRA LOGIUDICE
Scott Hutchinson loves to celebrate. Celebrate life, music, and the people around him. Many others in his position who turn over around $3 billion a year would be splurging on yachts, jets, and horses but he much prefers a characteristic pinball machine, some good music and a festival or two…or more.
“Most people in my situation tend to go for status interests, however mine are different. All my interests involve crowds and celebrations so there are many people that can share in it. But if you buy a boat or a plane it’s just for one or a few people.” BUILDING FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL Scott also spent $46 million on building Brisbane’s renowned Fortitude Music Hall, and although it is now only valued at $27 million, this does not appear to bother him. “In 2003, Festival Hall which was my temple, got knocked down for high rise residential, which is the highest and best commercial use of a block in the inner city. Somebody had to do something to get music back into the centre so I built Fortitude Music Hall. Someone had to lose money so I thought it may as well be me.” He says with a chuckle. However, for what Scott supposedly ‘lost’ or gave away, he has gained 10-fold in satisfaction and enjoyment, whilst giving to so many people, especially those in the music industry. Shows continue to sell out and people now flock to the area which has increased tourism, economic activity and most importantly, reactivated the Brisbane nightlife
and entertainment scene, something that was slowly dwindling away. The impressive state-of-the-art Fortitude Music Hall was a team effort with Paul Pittico and John Collins and is now an iconic venue that acts from around the globe seek out. The Triffid, another one of Mr. Hutchinson’s philanthropic ventures was also brought to life with the same ‘A-Team’ and is a characteristic, converted commercial hangar that now houses some of the best gigs in town. Scott also gives his time as Patron of QMusic which is part of the Australian music conference, BIGSOUND. QMusic helps start-ups in the music industry including young bands and also helps to bring music to the regional areas of Queensland. What Scott Hutchinson has ‘given’ to the community purely for the love of music and celebration, is clearly invaluable not only for those who enjoy it but also for those that depend on it for their livelihood. BURNING MAN FESTIVAL However, one of the most prominent festivals that he himself enjoys most, and loyally attends every year is Burning Man - a week of radical self-expression in Nevada, USA
14 – August / September 2022
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