Creative Tension

From how the art auction world works, to looted antiquities landing in Oz museums and the bright lights of musical theatre, Creative Tension is The Australian's weekly culture podcast from National Arts Writer Michaela Boland.

Inside Australia's star factory

Kate Cherry, director and CEO of Australia's National Institute of the Dramatic Arts, walks us through the inner workings of the institute that produces the nation's biggest names of stage and screen

04-04
31:12

What sells a work to a collector?

Michael Reid, veteran art dealer and former journalist with The Australian, discusses the factors that drive the commercial realities of art and artists.

03-20
35:46

Are Australia's galleries selling local artists short?

Tim Olsen joins Creative Tension for a discussion about the dynamics of local galleries, local artists, and what it's like to be the son of a living artistic treasure.

03-13
35:53

Adelaide's new offering for Australia's visual arts smorgasbord

Art Gallery of South Australia director Nick Mitzevich explains how Adelaide fits into the cultural tapestry of Australia today, how he'd like to expand its influence in the contemporary arts space, and his passion for Japanese art and design.

02-27
31:38

The accountant chasing stolen antiquities around the globe, part 2

Vijay Kumar concludes his story of art sleuthing around the world, explaining how disgraced antiquities dealer Subhash Kapur was finally caught.

12-13
32:56

The accountant chasing stolen antiquities around the globe, part 1

Indian born Vijay Kumar, the antiquity sleuth who matched a Hindu statue at a Sydney art gallery with one everybody thought was housed in a temple in Tamil Nadu, India, joins Creative Tension to discuss how he began chasing stolen pieces from around the world, and why he thinks Australia paid far too much for its ill-gotten artifacts.

12-07
30:52

The theatrical highlights of 2016

The Australian's patron-in-residence, Stephen Brook, joins Creative Tension to discuss what shone and what bombed on Australia's stages in 2016.

11-30
28:37

Past vs progress, the fight over Sydney's heritage

Australia's National Trust is locked in a bitter battle on so many fronts with the NSW Government. National Trust NSW chair Clive Lucas explains his thoughts on how Sydney's history can be preserved without holding back the growth of the harbour city.

11-23
22:46

Uncovering one of Australia's hidden gallery gems, the David Roche collection

Martyn Cook, Director of Adelaide's David Roche Foundation, discuss the extraordinary life of the man behind one of Australia's most underrated art collections.

11-18
30:49

Art auctions in Australia and abroad

Art consultant David Hulme discusses the goings on in Australia's auction houses, and what his clients get out of acquiring various pieces.

11-10
31:23

Graeme Blundell on staying on top of peak tv

The Australian's television critic explains how he keeps up with the deluge of new television series, as well as his thoughts on film, stage and the art of good direction

10-20
26:17

Scope, sales and sexism - the challenges facing Australian screenwriters

Liz Doran, award winning writer of Australian film and television shows like Please Like Me, joins Michaela Boland for a discussion on what it's like to make a living as a screenwriter down under.

10-13
30:38

How Kip Williams Found Himself Running the Sydney Theatre Company

The thirty year old interim artistic director of the STC discusses his rapid ascent through the ranks of Sydney's biggest theatre company, the memorable productions he has led, and the program for the year ahead.

09-29
21:21

The World of Fashion Exhibitions

Michaela Boland sits down with The Australian's Fashion Editor to discuss the world of fashion exhibitions

09-21
27:26

Leading Australia from Queensland's Stages

Sam Strong , artistic director of the Queensland Theatre Company explains how he defines good curation and leadership, and how he's trying to shift the way that Australia's companies view their place in a national cultural framework.

09-16
32:59

Australia's Booming Art Auctions

Art valuer David Hulme joins Michaela Boland to discuss the art that makes a splash on the secondary market, and the secrets David uses to win a bidding war.

09-07
31:37

The Case for Funding Australia's Art Schools

The Australia's chief art critic, Christopher Allen, explains why embattled art schools need more support, how anyone can be taught to draw, and why Ai Weiwei is the most overrated artist in the world.

08-18
25:47

How Independent Theatre Is Surviving in 2016

Lee Lewis from Sydney's Griffin Theatre Company discusses the group's recent success, working with Marta Dusseldorp, and how smaller companies are keeping the lights on during a period of funding constraint.

08-18
27:38

The Sticky Ethics of Food Criticism

The Australian's food critic John Lethlean joins Michaela Boland to discuss the recent "couscous for comment" scandal,  and his take on where food television is at today

08-18
23:35

Creative Tension - Less Is More For Australian Drama

The standards for TV dramas are higher than ever before, and funding is harder to find. So how are local series competing with the high profile output abroad?

06-29
23:26

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