Episode 45: Seb Chan - Reimagining cultural institutions for tomorrow's communities

This week's conversation features Seb Chan, Director and CEO of ACMI and National President of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, exploring his innovative approach to cultural leadership and institutional transformation.Seb shares insights from his journey from experimental music and club culture to pioneering digital transformation at major cultural institutions. He discusses how museums and cultural spaces can rebuild trust and relevance in a rapidly changing world.Key discussion points include:Evolving role of cultural institutions in building community trustDigital transformation and preservation challengesDesigning accessible cultural spaces that reduce threshold fearFocus and attention in the age of social mediaCultural translation and community engagementFuture integration of cultural spaces with community infrastructureThe garden metaphor for sustainable digital developmentLeadership versus management in cultural institutionsBuilding intergenerational connections through cultural experiencesThe role of institutions in addressing major societal challengesThroughout the conversation, Seb emphasises the importance of creating spaces for meaningful community interaction and the need for cultural institutions to actively shape conversations about our shared future.Links:ACMIAustralian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA)RMIT UniversityAbout Seb Chan: Seb Chan is the Director and CEO of ACMI and National President of AMAGA. His career spans pioneering roles in digital transformation at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. He is recognised internationally for his innovative approach to museum engagement and cultural leadership.Episode Credits:Host: Samuel CairnduffGuest: Seb Chan 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