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Episode 32: Professor Ruth Rentschler - A pioneer of arts management studies on cultural leadership
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This week's guest is Professor Ruth Rentschler OAM
Ruth Rentschler is a pioneering figure in arts and cultural management education in Australia. She is currently Professor of Arts and Cultural Leadership at the University of South Australia Business School.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Ruth discusses her extensive career spanning academia and arts governance. She shares insights from her current role as Chair of the Australian Dance Theater board, her work in developing arts management as an academic discipline, and her thoughts on the evolving nature of cultural leadership.
Ruth reflects on her early career transition from business to academia, including her instrumental role in establishing one of Australia's first arts management programs at Deakin University. She discusses the initial resistance to professionalising arts leadership and how perceptions have changed over time.
The interview explores Ruth's perspectives on arts governance, the changing expectations of board members, and the challenges facing cultural institutions in balancing artistic integrity with financial sustainability. She offers thoughtful reflections on Australia's approach to arts boards compared to international models.
Throughout the conversation, Ruth emphasises the importance of maintaining an artistic voice in governance while professionalising management practices. She advocates for diversity and inclusion on boards and in leadership roles, highlighting recent positive changes in the sector.
Ruth also shares insights from her extensive research and writing on arts marketing, entrepreneurship, and governance. She discusses her upcoming book on international perspectives on arts governance, highlighting the diversity of approaches globally.
This conversation offers valuable insights from one of Australia's most experienced cultural management educators on the evolving landscape of arts leadership, the role of education in developing cultural leaders, and the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Links:
University of South Australia Business School
AIMAC (International Association of Arts and Cultural Management)
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Presenter and research: Sam Cairnduff
Creative Director: Niloofar Pashmforoosh
Presented in association with Limelight
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