Arts Interview was developed as a student-led platform to provide accessible insights into the experiences, challenges, and perspectives of Australian arts practitioners.

Collaborative Process
The project was co-created with students from UNSW Art, Design and Architecture, who were responsible for every aspect of the initiative, including:

Visual identity and branding
Selection of interviewees and thematic direction
Project structure and workflow
Marketing, communications, and audience engagement
Interview design, transcription, editing, and publication
The project used co-designed development, shared decision-making, and experiential learning. The hands-on process gave students real-world experience that allowed them to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional context while contributing to a national arts resource.

The extraordinary, dedicated student volunteer project managers and interviewers’ contributions ensured the delivery of high-quality, consistent, and engaging content.
2011: 40 interviews published under the guidance of Masters student Kim Goodwin
2012: 40 interviews published under the guidance of Master student Alex Bellemore

Project Aim and Approach
I conceived Arts Interview to support both arts practitioners and students. Weekly interviews were published in a blog format and linked to key themes in Arts Management and Organisational Psychology, covering organisational challenges, creative decision-making, practical insights, and professional development.

The project provided:
– A professional reflection tool for arts practitioners, enabling the sharing of insights, strategies, and lessons learned across disciplines and stages of career.
– A resource for the broader arts community, contributing to discussions about the state and sustainability of arts practice in Australia.

Interviewees intentionally represented a diverse range of arts disciplines and sectors, including:
Lucy Feagins – The Design Files
Barry Keldoulis – Gallery Director
Darren Hanlon – Musician
Sebastian Goldspink – Alaska Projects
Lisa Havilah – Carriageworks
Anthony Bond OAM – AGNSW
Leigh Warren – LWD Dance Company
Zhang Di – White Space Beijing
Felicity Price – Actor and Producer
Nadine von Cohen – Writer
Steve Pozel – Object Gallery
Jennie Bradbury – Sydney Writers’ Festival
Campbell Hudson – Gadens Law Firm
D’Lan Davidson – Sotheby’s
and many more.

Legacy
Arts Interview established a model for student-led, co-designed professional projects that demonstrated the value of embedding experiential learning and participatory frameworks in arts education.
The project bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world practice, helping students develop confidence, professional networks, and a deeper understanding of Australian arts ecology. This project played a significant role in my being awarded the inaugural UNSW Dean’s Award for Learning and Teaching.

Archive available here
https://artsinterviewers.wordpress.com/