Theory of Creativity
Ideas, tools and techniques for a stronger culture sector. Join me as I pick the brains of experts in research, business, economics, technology and policy. We talk about the challenges of reaching new audiences, securing funding and amplifying the positive impacts of our work.I want to make sure arts & culture professionals have access to the best quality thinking and insights. My goal is to help grow your organisation bigger, better and stronger, so collectively, we can do even more good in the world.
Theory of Creativity
Cultural democracy and leadership with John Knell and Simon Abhrahams
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Tandi Palmer Williams, Patternmakers
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Season 1
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Episode 3
What does good leadership look like in the era of cultural democracy?
In this episode Tandi speaks with policy consultant John Knell and CEO and Melbourne Fringe Creative Director Simon Abrahams about key shifts currently taking place in the arts and cultural sector.
They discuss the particular challenges of leading a cultural organisation today, and how clarity of purpose is the key to resourcefulness.
Key points covered:
- Why ‘conversations’ are replacing ‘marketing’ in arts organisations
- How cultural leaders are different to leaders in other industries
- Why the power of your vision is the key to mobilising resources
- One powerful tip for becoming a stronger leader and enabling people to flourish
- Why today’s cultural organisations need to be platforms for other people’s creativity
- How to turn uncomfortable moments into fuel for innovation
- Culture organisations need to be committed to understanding their past, present and future audiences
- How to think about measuring intrinsic and instrumental value
- Why you should think carefully about your goal before you apply any tool or technique
John Knell is one of the UK’s most influential thought-leaders on organisational transformation. He works with corporate and public sector clients on issues focusing on leadership, employee engagement and future of work. John is the co-founder of Intelligence Agency and was previously Director of Research and Advocacy at The Work Foundation. He has written The Art of Dying and The Art of Living, London’s Creative Economy: An Accidental Success?, Whose Art Is It Anyway? and The 80 Minute MBA. John’s consulting clients have included Microsoft, Tesco, Astra Zeneca, Eversheds, Lloyds TSB, Manpower, and Siemens. John's current clients include The Wellcome Trust, Art Council England, Taylor Vinters, Liverpool Everyman and the BFI.
Simon Abrahams is a creative producer and arts advocate with recognition as one of Australia’s arts and cultural leaders. He joined the Melbourne Fringe team in 2015 and is currently the Creative Director and CEO. In the past Abrahams was Head of Programming for The Wheeler Centre and Executive Producer and Co-CEO for Polyglot Theatre. Simon co-founded Theatre Network Australia and was Chair from 2010-2017. Simon’s work has been awarded with the 2015 Melbourne Award (Melbourne Fringe), 2011 Governor of Victoria Export Award for arts and entertainment (Polyglot), three AbaF Awards, the 2014 CHASS Future Leaders Award. Also an actor, Simon appeared in Bron Batten’s The Dad Show.
For more details, including the full transcript of the conversation, you can head to the episode webpage: https://www.thepatternmakers.com.au/podcast-episodes/episode3
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