Decoding Cultural Leadership
Decoding Cultural Leadership is a podcast that explores the intersection between the arts, culture and society and interrogates what it means to be a cultural leader in the 21st century.
In each episode, host Samuel Cairnduff talks with some of the most influential organisational leaders, creators, policy-makers and thought leaders, building an understanding of their approach to shifting the dial in a complex, constantly changing world.
By talking to influential leaders whose voices resonate in the community, Decoding Cultural Leadership seeks to gain a deeper perspective on how cultural organisations see their role in the community, how they make hard decisions, and how they address the needs of multiple stakeholders.
Culture and society are deeply connected. Decoding Cultural Leadership explores this complex relationship through deep conversation with our greatest cultural leaders. Join us as we decode cultural leadership.
Decoding Cultural Leadership.
Culture. Society. Conversations
Decoding Cultural Leadership
Episode 17: Esther Anatolitis: Influential thought leader and Meanjin editor on cultural leadership
My guest today is Esther Anatolis.
With an impressive career spanning various art forms and practices, including literature, publishing, broadcasting, visual arts, craft and design, museums and galleries, performing arts, and festivals, Esther has made a massive contribution to Australia’s arts and cultural landscape.
Throughout her extensive career, she has held numerous leadership positions in key arts organisations.
She has been the CEO of Melbourne Fringe, Craft Victoria, SYN Media, the Emerging Writers' Festival, Express Media, and Regional Arts Victoria. Additionally, she made significant contributions as the Executive Director of NAVA, the National Association for The Visual Arts. In 2023, Esther embarked on a new chapter in her career, taking on the role of editor at Meanjin, the prestigious and editorially independent literary journal published by Melbourne University Publishing.
In this thought-provoking conversation, Esther shares her unique perspective on the complex issues facing cultural organisations today. Drawing from her vast experience, she explores the importance of purpose and values-driven leadership, challenging the notion of the charismatic individual leader. Esther highlights the connection between art and social change and the role of arts organisations in fostering public discourse amidst polarised politics. She also offers her powerful views on the true meaning of collaborative, values-oriented cultural leadership.
So please enjoy my conversation with Esther Anatolitis.
Links
The Griffth Review: The stories we don’t tell
Esther's consultancy Test Pattern
Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social media
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samuelcairnduff.com
@samuelcairnduff
Read Sam's Substack here.
Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff
Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh
Presented in association with Limelight
Decoding Cultural Leadership |
Culture. Society. Conversations