LARSEN | KEYS – Page 10 – writer | rabble-rouser

And another thing: new year resolutions for board members

It’s March, so let’s talk about some (belated) New Year’s resolutions.

And another thing: on banning book bans

Book lovers, prepare to get riled up. My latest ‘and another thing’ vlog is about the book bans in Dakota and Florida that could put teachers and librarians in prison just for doing their jobs.

We can do better than Boards

Following my collaboration on AICSA’s Rethinking Arts Governance event last year, I articulated some issues arts organisations have with arts Boards and shared examples of Boards making the best of the current situation.

In doing so, it became depressingly clear that our sector has learned how to bend without breaking when it comes to arts governance. But if the cause of most of our Arts Boards’ dysfunction is the governance model itself, perhaps a break is what we need – to throw the model out and start again.

And another thing: self care isn’t selfish

Welcome to my first ‘and another thing’ vlog for 2023.

This one builds on Employment Hero’s new Wellness at Work report and my recent Artshub article for those in need of a New Year creative reset.

In Bed with Animals review

In Bed with Animals is a poetic exposé of gender discrimination and sexual harassment. The experience of one woman and every woman, Bronwyn Lovell’s debut collection captures the ‘wildly frightening’ banality of patriarchy’s bludgeoning of women, animals and the environment.

And another thing: reviving Australian cultural policy

So, Australia has a brand-new National Cultural Policy. And, you know what? I think it’s pretty great.

My latest ‘and another thing’ vlog walk the line between cautious optimism and being a critical friend.

National Cultural Policy revives unfamiliar hope

Yesterday’s National Cultural Policy launch, dubbed Revive by the Federal Government, promised ‘a new era for Australia’s arts, entertainment and cultural sector’ and delivered much-needed optimism at a time when the stakes for artists, arts organisations and audiences have never been so high.

New Year creative reset

It’s time to practise radical self-compassion and care. These tips from me and creative coach Clare Travis should help you do just that.

Reading and writing in 2022

I blew my personal reading record out of the water last year, topping out at 212 books in 2022 – far exceeding the 147 I read in 2021 (mostly thanks to 3+ months of COVID recovery and a lot of sleepless nights).

Public. Open. Space. is ‘one to watch’

2023 will be ‘the year of the home-grown book,’ Jane Sullivan writes in The Age / Sydney Morning Herald. ‘The pandemic is fading as a popular topic, but we’re still preoccupied with climate change, racism and sexism. It’s notable how many books, particularly life stories, are written by women and non-binary people.’

Surprised and delighted to find my own collection of poetry, Public.Open.Space., included on her list of standout titles you’re going to read in 2023.