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 36: Amy Maiden - Transforming Audience Engagement in the Arts
This week's conversation features Amy Maiden, discussing her journey from musical theatre performer to leading audience engagement strategist.
Amy shares candid insights from her career journey, including her formative years in London's West End working with major organisations like AKA. She reflects on organising landmark charity events like the 2009 Black Saturday bushfire appeal concert at London's Princess Theatre, and how these experiences shaped her approach to arts marketing and audience development.
Key discussion points include:
- The evolution from performer to arts marketer and strategist
- Building innovative marketing approaches for West End productions
- The impact of digital transformation on audience behaviour
- Understanding contemporary fandom and audience psychology
- Preventing burnout in arts administration
- The changing nature of arts leadership and cultural institutions
- New models for engaging diverse audiences
- The intersection of commercial and subsidised arts
Throughout the conversation, Amy emphasises the importance of understanding audience behaviour and creating meaningful connections between arts organisations and their communities. She advocates for more sustainable work practices in arts administration while maintaining passion and artistic excellence.
This episode offers valuable perspectives on contemporary arts marketing and audience development from someone who has helped shape major innovations in the field.
Links:
About Amy Maiden: At the time of recording, Amy Maiden was Managing Partner at Anthem, and is now Chief Executive of the company. Her career spans major roles in London's West End and Australian arts organisations including Australian Theatre for Young People and Sydney Festival. She is recognised as an innovator in arts marketing and audience engagement strategy.
Episode Credits:
- Host: Samuel Cairnduff
- Guest: Amy Maiden
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