Episode 17: Esther Anatolitis: Influential thought leader and Meanjin editor on cultural leadership

My guest today is Esther Anatolis.With an impressive career spanning various art forms and practices, including literature, publishing, broadcasting, visual arts, craft and design, museums and galleries, performing arts, and festivals, Esther has made a massive contribution to Australia’s arts and cultural landscape.Throughout her extensive career, she has held numerous leadership positions in key arts organisations. She has been the CEO of Melbourne Fringe, Craft Victoria, SYN Media, the Emerging Writers' Festival, Express Media, and Regional Arts Victoria.  Additionally, she made significant contributions as the Executive Director of NAVA, the National Association for The Visual Arts.  In 2023, Esther embarked on a new chapter in her career, taking on the role of editor at Meanjin, the prestigious and editorially independent literary journal published by Melbourne University Publishing.In this thought-provoking conversation, Esther shares her unique perspective on the complex issues facing cultural organisations today. Drawing from her vast experience, she explores the importance of purpose and values-driven leadership, challenging the notion of the charismatic individual leader.  Esther highlights the connection between art and social change and the role of arts organisations in fostering public discourse amidst polarised politics. She also offers her powerful views on the true meaning of collaborative, values-oriented cultural leadership.So please enjoy my conversation with Esther Anatolitis.LinksMeanjinThe Griffth Review: The stories we don’t tellEsther's consultancy Test Pattern Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social mediaInstagram, Threads, X/Twitter:@[email protected]@samuelcairnduffRead Sam's Substack here.Presenter and research: Sam CairnduffCreative Director: Niloofar PashmforooshPresented in association with LimelightDecoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations