Matthew Austin

Background

About Matthew Austin

I’m a cultural leader, producer, and curator exploring how culture can shape our cities, civic life, and future. In 2025, I was awarded a Clore Leadership Fellowship — a chance to step back, connect with brilliant people, and dig into big questions about the role of culture in a changing world. For 15+ years, I’ve worked with artists to make bold, surprising live experiences happen — in theatres, shopping centres, city streets, and everywhere in between. Until June 2025, I was Co-Director of MAYK in Bristol, producing Mayfest and supporting artists like Jo Bannon, Verity Standen, and Dan Canham amongst many more. Our work reached thousands and always put connection, care, and ambition at its heart. These days, I’m mixing consultancy and advisory work with research, collaboration, and new projects — bringing a creative, values-driven approach to leadership, strategy, and change-making. I’m interested in how small organisations can thrive without losing their spark, and how culture can help us imagine better futures. I chair the Bristol Culture Network, sit on the One City Culture Board, and have served on the boards of Camden People’s Theatre, Fierce Festival, and Bristol Festivals.