Thomas Jackson

Thomas Jackson
He/Him 

Marketing Manager, WOMADelaide/ Arts Projects Australia

My journey in the music festival and concert industry began with my attendance at Soundwave in 2009, sparking a passion and inspiring me to pursue a career in the field.

Unsure of how to get my foot in the door, my breakthrough came during my Marketing and Communications degree at UniSA, where I participated in the Business Career Mentor Program. Paired with David Grice, co-founder of Musictec, I gained insights into utilising my skills for the Adelaide music industry. Leveraging David’s network, I secured an internship with ATG PR, working on high-profile events like WOMADelaide, eventually transitioning into a publicist role for five years. 

In 2020, I embraced a marketing role at the Adelaide Film Festival, marking a pivotal shift post-pandemic. Subsequently, I became Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Illuminate Adelaide, contributing to its successful launch in 2021 and 2022, including a memorable Gorillaz show.

In 2023, I assumed the position of Marketing Manager at WOMADelaide and Arts Projects Australia, overseeing annual WOMADelaide events and touring projects like Ludovico Einaudi and Kronos Quartet. My career has flourished in environments filled with passionate colleagues, with highlights including the collective accomplishment of delivering events like WOMADelaide to over 100,000 attendees annually.

I wish I knew that I didn’t have to know (and I’m not expected to know) everything. I’ve looked at many job applications in the past and I’ve been intimidated with how much experience or specific skills are required. Many things I have just learned on the job in my career or had a colleague teach me how to do it. I realise now that it’s more important to have a willingness to learn and trust that you’ll be able to figure most things out together.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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