About Creative Galah.
My name is Jonathan Llewellyn and you could say I'm the Creative Galah.
I have an extensive background in the performing arts industry in administration and venue management, as a producer and director, in programming and marketing. After many years working in various business models including local government, entities, charities and not for profits, I am now freelancing with a passion for regional arts and artists. I'm taking all of the things I've learnt over the years, the skills I've developed, and applying them in a whole new way.
I am driven by my personal values and see many of the aspects of the Galah (an Australian native bird) in myself, hence the name, Creative Galah. These things form the starting point of my business and how I work in the performing arts with communities, clients and artists.
My Values.
Meaningful Work and Contribution:
positive impact on other people's lives and helping others to achieve a common goal
When meaningful work aligns with the ability to make a positive impact on others' lives, it creates a powerful sense of purpose and fulfillment. Having a job that is valuable not only boosts my own sense of being needed and useful, but it also provides me with the energy and motivation to contribute to something greater than myself. The knowledge that my efforts improve others' lives fosters a deeper connection to my work, making it not just a means to an end, but a source of lasting personal satisfaction and societal benefit. Contributing to a common goal and helping others achieve something important and needed gives me the opportunity to leave something valuable behind, reinforcing the feeling that my actions matter. Seeing the value in my work gives me a lot of energy to keep going.
Honesty and Trust:
sincerity, frankness and a belief in someone or something
Honesty and trust are about expressing my true opinion openly and authentically without hidden agendas or motivations. Mutual trust has a huge impact on building and shaping strong relationships with other people. Many aspects of daily life is based on these values.
Curiosity:
willingness to explore and learn
Curiosity is one of the traits that have had a huge impact on the shape of our ever-changing civilisation. Curiosity means I am not afraid to ask questions, challenge the status quo and explore further. I am passionate about the performing arts and curious in discovering more and more about it, the people who make it what it is and the various artforms that already exist and those that are emerging.
About the Galah.
When reading this, the Galah is me and my approach to my work, the flock the “tribe” or networks in the creative arts sector, and community the artists, arts workers and audiences that engage in performing arts experiences.
Spiritually, the Galah is a vibrant and social bird, known for forming strong bonds within their flocks. Galahs remind us of the importance of community, communication, and meaningful relationships. Their social nature highlights the value of nurturing connections with others and creating a sense of belonging. As a spirit animal, the Galah encourages us to foster these bonds in our own lives and to engage in supportive, meaningful conversations with those around us. This could be audiences and artists discussing how did the performance we just watched or listen to impact us and change our lives in a post-show drink in a theatre foyer.
Additionally, the Galah symbolises resilience and adaptability and exhibit problem-solving skills. They are intelligent, quick thinking, and adapt to new situations with creativity. Their adaptability encourages us to view change as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. The Galah’s playful spirit also teaches the importance of joy and embracing the present moment. I approach my work in the same ways.
The Galah serves as a powerful reminder to honour our individuality. With their distinctive pink plumage and charismatic personalities, these birds stand out, urging us to embrace our uniqueness and let go of the need for external validation. Their spiritual energy encourages us to be authentic, celebrate our strengths, and confidently navigate life’s twists and turns. By embodying the qualities of the Galah—resilience, joy, adaptability, and individuality— I aim to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional well-being in the work that I do.
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The graphic has been designed by Jess Emily Designs.
About Me.
Jonathan Llewellyn has been a venue manager of Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre and Cowra Civic Centre. Both of these appointments involved making significant change and sourcing new avenues of income. Previous experience includes roles in front of house, technical, producing, and marketing. Prior to managing Cowra Civic Centre, Jonathan was the Marketing & Communications Manager at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta; Marketing Manager for Penrith Performing & Visual Arts at Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Marketing Manager of Education for Musica Viva Australia; as well as directing and producing independent theatre and arts events in Sydney, Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
His training and professional development includes Regenerative Leadership Course through Regenerators Academy, the Presenter Development Program through PAC Australia, the Multicultural Arts Professional Development at RMIT School of Business Management, Lean Six Sigma Foundations, plus various leadership programs and workshops in Arts Law, Copyright and IP. University training includes Events and Production Management at Victorian College of the Arts (University of Melbourne) and Theatre Nepean (now Western Sydney University). He contributes to the national conversation about the arts though participation at national conferences and various network meetings. He is currently on the board of Arts OutWest and has been the committee of NAPACA (NSW ACT Performing Arts Centres Association) and the co-coordinator of the Marketing and Box Office sub-committee until 2024.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
+61 415 163 417