Seeing Beyond the Stage: Vision in Action
Leadership in the arts is about far more than schedules, budgets, or even the day-to-day running of a theatre. At its heart, it is about vision and imagination. It is about seeing not just what exists today, but what could exist tomorrow, and inspiring everyone around you to make that possibility real. Early in my career, I realized that the institutions I led could be much more than the sum of their productions. At NIDA, I focused not only on technical skill but on fostering a community where collaboration, curiosity, and creativity were central. In just 18 months, the school’s global ranking improved dramatically, moving from 16th to 10th in the world for performing arts schools. That growth came from a shared belief that excellence requires both imagination and structure. Vision is not just a lofty ideal; it is a practical tool for creating sustainable change.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
One of the most exciting aspects of leading in the arts is creating a culture where bold ideas can flourish. At Black Swan State Theatre Company, I had the opportunity to test ideas that had never been attempted before in Australia. One project involved Australia’s first simulcast of a theatre production. Another brought together Australian artists with the National Theatre of China for a groundbreaking collaboration. These initiatives were ambitious, sometimes intimidating, but they succeeded because the organization itself valued curiosity, risk-taking, and experimentation. When a leader commits to imagination, it sends a clear message: it is safe to think differently, to experiment, and to push boundaries. This is how innovation becomes not an occasional event, but a habit ingrained in the organization’s culture.
Inspiring Artists and Teams Through Vision
Vision is only powerful when it can be shared and understood. I have been fortunate to work with incredibly talented actors, directors, and conductors from Guy Pearce and Ben Mendelsohn to Nicholas Carter and Paul Kildea. What I have learned is that people rise to a vision they understand and believe in. Whether directing a production for Sydney Theatre Company, mentoring students at Emerson College, or collaborating with opera companies across the world, I have seen firsthand how clarity of purpose inspires creativity. When every member of a team knows how their contribution fits into a larger story, the work becomes more than a job; it becomes a shared journey. The energy, focus, and commitment that emerge from that shared vision are remarkable and often exceed even the highest expectations.
Balancing Creativity with Practical Leadership
Imagination alone cannot sustain an arts organization. Leadership requires practicality, discipline, and attention to detail. Opening theatres, programming seasons, and managing budgets are all essential tasks that provide the framework for creative expression. During my tenure at NIDA and BSSTC, I learned that visionary leadership thrives when it balances artistic ambition with operational sustainability. Creative risk-taking works best when there is a solid foundation to support it. By combining imagination with strategic planning, a leader ensures that not only do productions succeed, but the institutions themselves endure and continue to grow.
Vision as a Tool for Cultural Change
The arts are not only entertainment; they are a reflection of society and a vehicle for change. Visionary leadership amplifies this potential. Productions can challenge assumptions, provoke dialogue, and inspire audiences to see the world differently. Creating programs for emerging theatre makers and writers, leading international collaborations, and engaging communities are all ways that leaders can extend the impact of their work beyond the stage. By imagining new possibilities, we create spaces for stories that can shift perspectives, ignite conversations, and leave a lasting cultural mark.
Lessons from a Career in Arts Leadership
If there is one lesson I have carried throughout my career, it is this: vision requires courage and action. It requires trusting your instincts while remaining open to feedback. It demands empathy, collaboration, and a willingness to take risks. Vision is strengthened by dialogue, reflection, and observation. I often find clarity while walking, swimming, or sharing a meal with family and friends. These moments of quiet reflection allow me to step back from the daily demands of leadership and see the bigger picture. A leader who cultivates imagination also cultivates patience, persistence, and the ability to inspire others without forcing their vision upon them.
Embracing Imagination to Shape the Future
Leading with vision in the arts is a delicate balance of imagination, strategy, and heart. It is about seeing what is possible, inspiring others to follow, and creating institutions and experiences that endure. The arts mirror society, and through visionary leadership, they can reflect the best of what we aspire to be. For every leader, artist, and educator, the challenge is the same: embrace imagination, take thoughtful risks, and trust that a bold, well-communicated vision can create a legacy that resonates far beyond the stage. When vision is paired with courage, creativity, and care, the possibilities for cultural transformation are endless.