About - Ant McKenna

Executive General Manager for the Australian Live Music Business Council since Jan 2024

Director of Programming – Industry Development for QMusic since March 2023

Communications, Memberships, Stakeholder Development for the Australian Live Music Business Council December 2022 – Jan 2024

Co-owner & Director Free Fall Co since Jan 2024

Co-manager of Salt & Steel since Jan 2024

Program Manager for the AMPED Music industry development program since March 2023.

Webmaster for Australian Animal Studies Association since July 2022.

Ethical vegan since 2017
(yes I know we always have to tell everyone… haha)

Ant has worked in creative and cultural development sectors in partnership with industry, not-for-profits and government of all levels, in Brisbane, across Southeast Queensland, throughout regional Queensland towns, interstate and internationally.

current

Previously

12 months Project Lead Creative Business Champion program 2022 employed by CQU
12 months Creative Business Champion mentor 2021
2 years Director Creative Arts Alliance
2.5 years Program Manager for BEMAC
2 years with Arts Queensland
10 years with Sunshine Coast Council
3 years leading the Sunshine Coast Council creative team
8 years with Q Music
3 years fundraising for The Seed
20 years with Those Bloody McKennas and Alfanant
3 Strategic Planning processes completed for Old Ambulance Station Nambour, Little Seed Theatre Company & Peripheral Arts
Led public music industry planning sessions for Moreton Council, Townsville City Council, Cairns City Council, Live Music Office, Creative Arts Alliance and more

HIGHLIGHTS
Advocated successfully for Arts Qld Backing Indigenous Arts Officer role to be made an Identified position (2016) Envisioned and led:
– Increase of Sunshine Coast Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)budget by $100,000 (2015/16)
– development of Inaugural Horizon Festival and the Sunshine Coast Arts Advisory Board until moving to state government (2015/16)
– Doubling of Sunshine Coast Art Prize participation (2013-16)
Managed and produced the BIGSOUND Music Industry Conference 2005 and led the development into an international event
Developed and managed the 13 year State-wide A-Venue youth music initiative funded by Arts Queensland (1999-2004)
Engaged by John Butler annually for The Seed Music Industry week-long intensive (2007-2012)

ETHICS
Ant values ethical behaviour and is aware of the importance of clarity around Conflicts of Interest.

Ant ensures that each organisation he is working for, understands his other commitments.

Ant is also always the first to nominate a conflict, will never act in a way to personally benefit from access to sensitive information and will always stand aside from decision-making where he has an agreed Conflict Of Interest.

Ant also has a policy of never working with d!@kheads or ar$eholes and makes sure he never behaves like one too.

#creativeindustrydevelopment

Ali Strachan Creative Copyrighter & creative leader

"I’ve worked with Ant McKenna in a few different ways and his passion for the arts and cultural sector is infectious. Working on events together, he was an advocate for inclusion of diverse voices and cultures. As program lead for the BEMAC Booster and stART grant programs, his understanding of the needs of various artists and arts workers enabled him to advocate for our needs. And his knowledge of grants, data collection and reporting throughout the process was hugely beneficial. As a mentor and ally, he’s always positive and approachable. Helping me and many within community extend our networks, connect with resources and support within the industry. I have no hesitation recommending Ant. His experience and enthusiasm are an asset to anyone working with him."

John Waldron Director, Blue Sky View

"Ant is a respected artists and arts consultant with a wealth of experience in the sector. This, together with his friendly, positive approach, made him the right person to assist the board of the The Old Ambulance Station with a new strategic plan. Not only did Ant guide the planning process with his organised professional approach, he also energised the meetings to ensure they were enjoyable and that they achieved the required results. From my various connections with Ant over the years, I highly recommend him."