Artistic director Greg Leong celebrated his retirement at the Princess Theatre

Leong said while his retirement was mainly due to personal reasons, art has and will continue to be a large part of his life.

"I've retired from arts management and theatre management but I haven't actually really retired because I'm also a visual and performing artist," he said.

"Since my retirement I've been in two exhibitions, I'm in one in Hobart at the moment which will then go up to Sydney.

"In so called retirement it's been busier than ever and I have a lot more time doing research and being on the internet and watching movies, opera films and doing some reading so it's been absolutely pleasurable."

Leong served as artistic director as well as general manager of Theatre North since 2013.

He also worked in Burnie as director of the Regional Art Gallery and Arts and Function Centre.

His esteemed career also includes working in Darwin, Hong Kong and London.

Leong said his past 20 years of work in the arts industry has shaped him as an arts manager and as a person.

"Unless you have done this range of things you can't actually develop the skills which make you a successful arts manager or a successful person," he said.

"I'm very grateful for the life I've had."

Leong said once he's settled down he plans to consider getting art consultancy work and apply to be on various art boards and committees so he can give back to the community.

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