Episode 25: Professor Jo Caust: acclaimed academic talks art, politics and contemporary discourse

In this insightful conversation, Professor Jo Caust shares her remarkable journey from dedicated arts practitioner to renowned academic and author. Caust discusses her early experiences grappling with gender inequality in the arts industry, which motivated her to delve deeper into issues of leadership and power dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• Caust's trajectory from actor to arts administrator to respected academic, and the role of mentorship along the way
• The complex and often contradictory nature of "leadership" in the arts and cultural sector
• Caust's perspectives on the persistent challenges of gender imbalance and discrimination in the arts
• The tensions between government funding, artistic integrity, and social impact in arts organizations

Caust provides insight into her recent book "Art and Politics: Government and the Arts in Australia", exploring the ambivalent relationship between the arts and the Australian government. She also shares compelling examples of cultural organizations around the world demonstrating exemplary leadership.

This wide-ranging conversation underscores the need for ongoing critical examination of power structures, funding models, and the social responsibilities of arts institutions - all with the aim of fostering more equitable, inclusive, and impactful cultural leadership.

Links:

• Art and Politics: Government and the Arts in Australia"by Jo Caust
• The Conversation - Jo Caust's articles

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Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff

Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh

Presented in association with Limelight

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