Richard Evans AM: A Lifetime Dedicated to Enriching Australia's Cultural Landscape
With an illustrious career spanning some of Australia's most iconic cultural institutions, Richard Evans AM’s wealth of experience and insight is a veritable gold mine for anyone with a passion for the arts.
The Accidental Arts Leader
Like many in the industry, Richard's foray into the arts was somewhat serendipitous. His love for performing was kindled at a young age in his native New Zealand, where he found himself drawn to singing in choirs and studying opera at university. However, it was a chance encounter with Sam Scott, now of Massive Company in Auckland, that marked the beginning of his professional journey as a production manager.
"I never realised you could get paid for being a stagehand or whatever," Richard muses, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "That sense of a professional career was really something that I grew into."
From there, Richard's trajectory was set, with stints at the New Zealand Puppet Theatre, Dr. Maggie Mel Productions (where he worked with the iconic Topp Twins), and eventually, a leadership role at the New Zealand Public Theatre.
The Sydney Opera House: A Global Stage
For many in the arts, the CEO role at the Sydney Opera House is the ultimate dream. Richard had the privilege of holding this position from 2007 to 2012, a time he describes as having "a certain gravitas."
"Whatever you put there is special," he explains. "You have an opportunity to really accentuate or bring to the fore whatever you choose to profile there."
Under Richard's stewardship, the Opera House underwent a significant transformation, aligning itself with Sydney's ambition to be a truly global city. "We very firmly pedalled into where we need a global cultural offering," he reminisces.
This period was marked by innovative content, exciting collaborations, and navigating the complex political landscape that comes with managing an institution as revered as the Opera House.
The ACO: Innovation and Transformation
Since 2016, Richard has been at the helm of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, an organisation he was drawn to for its international reputation, national reach, and the opportunity to collaborate with its visionary Artistic Director, Richard Tognetti.
Under his leadership, the ACO has embarked on a transformative journey. This includes the creation of a world-class performance space at Pier 2/3 in Walsh Bay and a significant expansion of the organisation's learning and engagement programs.
Navigating Modern Leadership Challenges
Throughout the conversation, Richard offered candid insights into his approach to leadership in the arts. He stressed the importance of fostering an environment that enables people to do their best work, rather than micromanaging every aspect.
"We employ people for a reason because they've got the skills to bring to it," he explains. "Of course, there'll be some areas which I know more about than others, but there are some areas in the arts that have changed remarkably."
Richard also addressed the increasingly complex terrain of social activism and identity politics within arts organisations. While encouraging personal activism, he questions the appropriateness of the workplace as a forum for it, particularly when views within the organisation and its stakeholders may differ.
"We are living at a time where organisations have never been more on a knife's edge," he cautions. "To buy into a peripheral issue from a mission perspective that may damage your ability to deliver your mission needs to be looked at very analysis."
The Road Ahead
With the ACO's 50th anniversary on the horizon, there's a palpable sense of excitement about what the future holds. For Richard, a key focus is navigating the post-COVID international market and rebuilding the ACO's touring networks.
Beyond the ACO, Richard is committed to growing his consulting business with partner Vanessa and advocating for greater industry support through his role as President of Live Performance Australia.
When asked about his proudest moments, Richard struggles to single out one achievement. Instead, he reflects on the privilege of a life dedicated to the arts and the opportunities he's been afforded along the way.
"It's been a wild ride," he muses. "The moments I always remember are the opportunities that people have given me and those passing conversations that have turned into opportunities. It's a privilege to actually love what you do for your job. If you can find a job that you are satisfied with and that you can have a reasonable living that supports a family life or being part of a larger community, what more can we ask for?"
Indeed, Richard Evans' journey is a testament to the rewarding nature of a life spent enriching Australia's cultural landscape. His passion, vision, and leadership serve as an inspiration to all who believe in the transformative power of the arts.