Vernon Guest is a nationally respected cultural leader and the CEO of Ten Days on the Island. With more than 26 years’ experience in the performing arts, he has shaped major festivals and public events across Australia through senior programming, producing and executive leadership roles.

A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Vernon’s career spans Sydney Festival, Perth Festival, Adelaide Festival, Darwin Festival and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, alongside high-profile projects such as the Sydney Paralympics ceremonies. He is particularly recognised for delivering large-scale outdoor events and complex, cross-sector cultural initiatives.

Vernon brings deep expertise in organisational leadership, governance and strategic transformation within not-for-profit environments. He is Treasurer of the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals (CAIAF) and a Board member of Performing Lines, where he chairs the Diversity & Inclusion, Environmental, Social and Governance sub-committee. Vernon is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was a recipient of the Governance Institute of Australia’s 2024 Arts Scholarship.