Executive General Manager for the Australian Live Music Business Council since Jan 2024
Income Stream Generation for Queensland Music Festival
Income Stream Generation for Yama Nui Records
Live Music Policy writer for Live Music Office
Webmaster for Australian Animal Studies Association since July 2022.
Ethical vegan since 2016
(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.
2 Years Director of Programming – Industry Development – QMusic 2023-2025
2 Years Communications, Memberships, Stakeholder Development for the Australian Live Music Business Council 2022 – 2024
Co-manager of Salt & Steel 2024
Program Manager for the AMPED Music industry development program 2023 & 2024
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 till 2005
3 years fundraising for The Seed
20 years with Those Bloody McKennas and Alfanant
Strategic Planning processes completed for organisations such as 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.
Erin Nelson - Town of Port Hedland
"Ant McKenna has played a pivotal role in the delivery of the Live and Local project in Hedland as Policy Consultant. His insight into regional arts ecosystems and his ability to translate community needs into practical, inclusive policy frameworks have been instrumental in shaping the program and action plans direction. Ant’s work has helped ensure that local artists will be supported through sustainable, well-considered strategies that reflect the unique cultural landscape of the Pilbara. His thoughtful approach, deep commitment to community arts & deep knowledge of both policy and outcomes make him an invaluable asset to any initiative seeking meaningful impact."
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."
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."
Gareth Colliton - Warrnambool Council
"I have had the pleasure of working with Ant McKenna for the past 12 months, in his capacity as Policy Consultant for the Warrnambool Live (Live & Local) program. Ant has brought valuable insights to our program through his broad knowledge of Australian Live Music Policy at all levels, from local government to federal. Ant’s approach is one of amicability fused with passion, making him an excellent ambassador to connect with the local music community. Ant has proven to be a valued member of our Warrnambool Live project, and I commend him to anyone seeking a Music Policy expert."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."