Groundwork: Session 9
Thursday 17 September
10.00AM AWST
Following her recent Churchill Fellowship on the topic, Kate Ben-Tovim and Bec Allen (cultural sector leader turned diplomat – currently Counsellor, Public Affairs, Australian Embassy Tokyo) present a practical session unpacking cultural diplomacy for the cultural sector.
They will cover the basics of cultural diplomacy for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and share some best practice case studies with the opportunity for a Q&A with both presenters.
This session will be recorded and Auslan interpreted.
Meet the Speakers
Kate Ben-Tovim
Kate is a curator, producer and cultural diplomacy specialist. She is driven by the power of culture to increase empathy and understanding between people and nations. During her 20+ years in the arts, Kate has worked with artists, cultural institutions and governments in Indonesia, India, China, PNG, UK and throughout Australia.
Kate has played a founding role in some of Australia’s most innovative cultural projects including Asia TOPA (founding Associate Director – 2017 & 2020), Oz Fest India, Asia Pop Fest, PASIFIX and The Black Arm Band.
Her boutique cultural agency Turning World provides advice to every level of Government, regularly collaborating with DFAT on cultural diplomacy initiatives and with major international events including London Olympics and GC Commonwealth Games.
Kate recently completed a Churchill Fellowship researching international best practice in soft power. She is a Sidney Myer Creative Fellow and her work has received multiple Helpmann and Greenroom Awards.
Bec Allen
Bec has over 20 years’ experience working within the creative sector, cultural diplomacy and civil society. She has been with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for the past nine years and is currently the Public Affairs Counsellor at the Australian Embassy, Tokyo.
Prior to this she led the public diplomacy team at DFAT in Canberra and managed the cultural program at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. Previously Bec was Senior Advisor to the UN Special Rapporteur for Cultural Rights.
In Australia, Bec was a senior arts administrator holding Executive Producer roles. She produced 17 new Australian works for the stage and toured productions to over 50 venues globally.
Bec holds a Masters in Global Diplomacy (SOAS, University of London), an MBA (Arts and Culture, University of South Australia) and a Bachelor of Technical Theatre (NIDA, National Institute of Dramatic Art).
Bec is on posting to Tokyo until the end of 2027. She is there with her partner and young child.