Samuel Cairnduff

Dr Samuel Cairnduff is a lecturer in media and communications in the School of Culture & Communication at the University of Melbourne, where he teaches across arts and cultural management, strategic communications, and public relations. His research examines cultural leadership, institutional ethics, and the role of cultural organisations in social change.

Samuel Cairnduff's recent articles

Creative Australia’s backflip on Venice Biennale representatives exposes deep governance failures

Creative Australia’s backflip on Venice Biennale representatives exposes deep governance failures

The reinstatement of artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia’s representatives for the 2026 Venice Biennale closes a bruising recent cultural episode and exposes the fragility of the systems meant to protect artistic freedom in Australia.

Cultural McCarthyism in Australia: The new battleground for artistic freedom

Cultural McCarthyism in Australia: The new battleground for artistic freedom

McCarthyism — the infamous anti-communist witch hunt of the 1950s — is thought of as a dark chapter in American history, where accusations alone could destroy careers, reputations, and entire artistic movements. Figures such as screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, playwright Lillian Hellman, and actor John Garfield saw their careers derailed, with many blacklisted from the industry. That frightening era is upon us again with elements of the pro-Israel lobby and governments working over weak cultural institutions such as Creative Australia to ban artists.

Jayson Gillham files legal action against MSO, launches crowdfunding campaign

Jayson Gillham files legal action against MSO, launches crowdfunding campaign

Melbourne, October 2024 - Acclaimed Australian-British pianist Jayson Gillham has filed legal proceedings against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in the Federal Court of Australia, following the controversial cancellation of his performance in August. Gillham has also initiated a crowdfunding campaign to support his legal costs in this fight for artistic freedom and free speech.

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