Lesley Newton

Lesley Newton
She/Her
Head of Programming, Adelaide Festival 

I didn’t  know that working in the Arts was even an option when I left school – way back in the 70’s!

After High School I commenced working in a bank, and after about 8 years left – as it turned out just wasn’t the right fit.  

After an overseas holiday I got a receptionist position at the Jam Factory, when it was out at St. Peters and my whole world got turned upside down!  I was amazed that people did art for a living or that someone like me could even get involved.

I had a pretty strong administration background from banking, plus had shorthand and typing skills. This job provided me all sorts of skill sets over the years (9), board minutes and management, retail, payroll, secretarial, gallery/exhibition work, it was a wonderful environment in which to learn.

Then came the opportunity to work at the Adelaide Festival as the Operations Secretary.  The Performing Arts is so different to the Visual Arts, and I was hooked.

Steadily I have progressed up through the Festival structure, and have been Head of Programming for over 12 years, and at the Festival for about 30!

Essentially, I knew nothing about Festivals, and have learnt on the job over time.  For awhile I felt like an imposter so I undertook the Graduate Diploma in Arts Management at the University of South Australia which really supported my career development.

As for someone starting out in the sector I would suggest

• Make connections in the arts, network, network, network
• Volunteer as much as you can, this will give you a good idea of what you want to pursue – marketing, programming, production, administration, front of house, box office
• No job it too small when you’re starting out, take risks, make mistakes, be  flexible,  listen and learn

There is no text book for working in the Arts, but it’s one of the greatest working and living  experiences you will have, both challenging and exciting.

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This article is part of the Festival & Event Industry Career Profiles series, a collection highlighting the diverse stories of Adelaide’s finest festival professionals. 

Photography by: Jack Fenby