In this thought-provoking episode of Creative or Dead, hosts David Constantine and Aleesha Callahan speak with Julie McLaren, an experienced curator known for her work with the Art Gallery of Ballarat and now (hot off the press!) as Senior Curator at HOTA on the Gold Coast.

Julie shares candid reflections on her journey, discussing the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, her deep-rooted empathy and the creative process of curating. She reveals how she finds inspiration from the natural world and from meaningful conversations with artists, as well as giving us a glimpse of her personal rituals that help her maintain focus and balance.

Julie’s vulnerability in speaking about burnout, the emotional weight of curating, and her approach to storytelling through exhibitions offers listeners a rare, authentic insight into the world of curation.

If you’ve ever been curious or intrigued by the intersection of empathy, creativity – and the transformative role curators play in the art world – this is for you.

LINKS

Sweat Dreams DJs – Julie’s side project, check it out on Instagram

A source of inspiration in Hans Ulrich Obrist

Look up the work of Scotty So on Instagram

See the work of Sassy Park

Also Belinda Fox

One of Julie’s final collabs at the gallery is with Ramesh Mario Nithiyendren

Julie’s grandad is Ian McLaren, who’s book collection numbering at 75,000 is now at the Baillieu library in Uni Melbourne

YOUR HOSTS

Aleesha Callahan is a design journalist, regularly contributing to Est Living, Green magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Indesignlive and Habitus, the latter of which she was the editor between 2020-2024. A storyteller and versatile freelancer, Aleesha collaborates with select brands and studios to help articulate their voice.

David Constantine is a creative business builder and leader. With a career spanning branding, advertising, innovation, strategy and social impact, David has worked with arts practitioners and institutions in Australia and Internationally for more than two decades. He has delivered place identity strategy and strategic planning for many prominent Australian arts entities including the Abbotsford Convent, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres, Chunky Move and the Art Gallery of Ballarat. He currently sits on the board of the Art Gallery of Ballarat. David is a collector of contemporary Australian Art and has strong relationships to both artists and gallerists.

CREDITS

Creative or Dead was produced by Rob Heneghan.

It was recorded at the State Library of Victoria. We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we recorded, the Wurrundjeri and Woi Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation.

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