Email ↗
LinkedIn ↗
Testimonials ↗


STRATEGIC ARTS & CULTURAL CONSULTANT


       




Hi! My name is Madeleine Gandhi

I’m a theatre producer, arts manager, lawyer and freelance consultant. Based in Melbourne/Naarm, I’m the General Manager of a national theatre company, co-founder of an LGBTQIA+ arts non-profit, and one of Out For Australia’s 30 Under 30.

After studying at Sydney Law School and cutting my teeth on independent stages, I’ve channelled my corporate skills into Australia’s arts and cultural sector. I care about laying the groundwork for commercial pathways and sustainable creative careers: when artists thrive, society benefits.


Let’s work together


      Grant writing      

Ask me me to draft or edit funding applications. To date, I’ve secured more than $400,000 for individual artists and brokered $3 million investment deals. I’d love your project to be next.

          Producing          

Ask me to draft, benchmark or review contracts, budgets & tour plans for theatre, comedy, musicals, and projects in between.  As a qualified (non-practising) lawyer, I specialise in bringing projects into line with the Live Performance Award 2020 & Performers’ Collective Agreement 2024-26.


  Governance & HR


Ask me to draft, edit or review policies and processes that balance all the hoops and ribbons: WH&S, robust governance, NFP risk management, industry-benchmarks and strategy rooted in the realities of today. I’ve sat on and advised arts boards from grassroots collectives to social enterprises and major charities.

Sector development

Our industry thrives on collaboration – let’s push each other to keep doing better by audiences, workers and artists. I’ve presented on panels about creative workforce development and LGBTQIA+ leadership, hosted storytelling nights, delivered project management workshops, and mentored emerging producers. Ask me to write, speak, emcee or mentor.
                                      

   Drop me a line      


I offer free 20 minute virtual consultations to anyone seeking a sounding board.

You’re not alone. My phone buzzes regularly with questions like:
  • how do I pitch and sell a show? 
  • is my budget realistic? what is it missing?
  • what do people actually mean by “industry best practice”?
  • how do arts boards work (and why are they always in the news)?!
  • my contracts are patched together from templates... is that a problem?
  • is starting a company a good idea? how do I protect myself?
  • how do royalties, intellectual property and commissions work?
Together, we’ll take a breath and step back. Set clear priorities. Break down the next steps. And see what I can take off your plate.

Artwork by Elizabeth Cox @lizzymcox.