Leadership is not just a title

In recent years, the definition of leadership in the arts and culture sector has undoubtedly changed – it has become broader and less hierarchical, no longer limited to a managerial title.

Ben Finn has over 15 years of experience in the commercial and non-profit performing arts sectors in Australia and New York. Although he previously held management roles, Finn says that taking the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Cultural Leadership at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) completely changed his perspective.

“Leadership is something we don’t talk about in the context of art and culture because we just do it,” says Finn Art Center“I think what I really liked about the program was the reflection on what leadership is.”

He continues, “Influence and impact are important to a certain extent, but I also think a lot about making a difference and involving others in that journey.”

When Finn was stuck in Australia due to the pandemic, he accepted a position as executive director of the Adelaide Youth Orchestra, which he says motivated him to “seek out support and education to help me cope with the demands of my new job.”

What he took away from the MFA Cultural Leadership course was not only that, but also lifelong lessons and valuable networking. “I was drawn to the explosion of people in the group who had different experiences and ideas, people who were mostly already working in the industry in some leadership role. We had really lively discussions,” Finn says.

She adds: “We spent two days with (Noongar author and activist) Claire Coleman as part of the MFA, listening to her talk and working with us. Those two days changed my life and I think about it often.”

Finn now serves as executive producer of Newtheatricals and says many of those experiences are still part of his approach to leadership. “I think leadership is circular; I can’t do my job without so many other people. People who think they can are setting themselves up for failure.”

Communication and empathy are also important, as well as an understanding of management principles, public policy and the professional development of other team members.

The MFA Cultural Leadership program at NIDA welcomes applicants from all fields of the arts and culture. Finn’s cohort includes theater makers, gallery directors, community organizers, writers, and others.

Finn advises that those interested in the course offer should not be afraid to find and reach out to other alumni like him on LinkedIn. “I know that in my cohort (2021–2023), in particular, people are eager to talk about why they did the course.”

He encourages people to take responsibility for their own learning and treat leadership as a fundamental life skill. “You only get what you put in, but for me, it really solidified my wants and needs in terms of how I go into the world as a leader. It allowed me to expand my knowledge and challenge myself, changing the way I’ve always done things.”

Information sessions for NIDA Master of Fine Arts in Cultural Leadership students will be held on Tuesday 13 August in Melbourne, Wednesday 28 August in Parramatta and Wednesday 4 September online.

The call for applications is now open MFA NIDA Courses.