This book interrogates the widespread yet ill-defined use of cultural leadership in strategic plans, policies, and industry discourse. Despite its ubiquity, the term lacks clarity and cohesion in both theory and practice. Based on fieldwork with twenty artistic and executive leaders, Harmonising Purpose uncovers a deeper uncertainty within orchestras about their role in society. These tensionsbetween artistic tradition and civic expectationare explored through rich case material and critical analysis. The book proposes a new organisational model of cultural leadership centred on purpose alignment, authentic social participation, and stakeholder value creation. Its insights will resonate across the performing arts and cultural sectors.
The books central finding is that many orchestras lack internal alignment around their public purpose, limiting their capacity to lead with authenticity. In response, it offers a new conceptual and practical model for organisational cultural leadershipdistinct in its focus on institutions rather than individualsthat contributes original research to arts leadership discourse.
This is the first in-depth study of cultural leadership in Australian orchestras, grounded in qualitative research and offering a new model that shifts focus from individuals to institutional practice. It provides critical insight for arts managers, policymakers, and scholars interested in leadership, cultural value, and the evolving role of major performing arts organisations.
PROLOGUE: Prelude to Purpose. Section I: Foundations and Frictions 1.The
Australian Orchestra Story A History of Transformation
2. From Institution
to Influence Reframing Cultural Leadership
3. Foundations The Leadership
Question Section II: Voices from the Field
4. Entering the Field The
Orchestras and Their Worlds
5. Defining Cultural Leadership From the Inside
Out 6: The Performance -- Cultural Leadership in Action
7. The Social
Question -- Orchestras on Contested Ground
Chapter
8. Barriers and Bridges --
What Gets in the Way, and What Helps Section III: Towards Organisational
Cultural Leadership
9. The New Model Organisational Cultural Leadership
(OCL). CODA: Future Directions
Samuel Cairnduff is a lecturer, researcher, and consultant in arts and cultural management, specialising in leadership in the performing arts. He teaches at the University of Melbourne, hosts the Decoding Cultural Leadership podcast, presents on ABC Classic, and leads RESONATE, a consultancy in leadership, strategy, and communications.
