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 43: Stephen Block - From ASQ Pioneer to Festival Director
This week's conversation features Stephen Block, Director of the Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival, discussing his remarkable journey in arts leadership from the early days of the Australian String Quartet through to his current role.
Stephen shares fascinating insights from his formative years in Adelaide during the Dunstan era, and his pivotal role in establishing the Australian String Quartet as a national chamber music ensemble. He discusses the evolution of arts funding and audience development in Australia through his various leadership roles.
Key discussion points include:
- The cultural impact of the Dunstan era in South Australia
- Establishing the Australian String Quartet
- Building national touring networks
- Developing corporate partnerships and philanthropy
- The role of chamber music in contemporary society
- Programming for heritage venues
- Festival development and audience engagement
- The importance of architectural heritage in concert presentation
- Building sustainable arts organisations
- The evolution of arts leadership in Australia
Throughout the conversation, Stephen emphasises the importance of creating memorable aesthetic experiences and building lasting relationships with audiences and supporters.
Links:
About Stephen Block: Stephen Block is the Director of the Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival. His career spans major roles including CEO of the Australian String Quartet and General Manager of Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. He has made significant contributions to chamber music in Australia through various leadership positions.
Episode Credits:
- Host: Samuel Cairnduff
- Guest: Stephen Block
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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