Auckland Live Staff Spotlight

Introduce yourself and your role at Auckland Live

Ko Daniel Clarke ahau.  I moved to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland two months ago to take on the role of Director, Performing Arts – a new role on the Executive Leadership Team of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU).

I look after the teams responsible for developing, presenting and producing diverse performing arts events in the Auckland Live venues, Aotea Square and across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The city (and country) are very new to me having moved from Australia with Nick – my partner – and our three fur babies: Ziggy, Donnie and Oscar.

 

Paint a picture of a ‘day in the life’ in your role as Director of Performing Arts

As I’m fairly fresh in this role, I am still meeting a lot of people inside TAU alongside external stakeholders.  This is very much a time of discovery for me as I immerse myself in the local culture while leading the development of a performing arts strategy for TAU and Auckland Live. I am working with an incredible team here at Auckland Live who care so much for the artists and audiences of Tāmaki Makaurau and together we are coming up with some exciting plans.

I am also focusing on learning te ao Māori and te reo Māori and have attended two profound and insightful Te Tiriti o Waitangi workshops.

I am thinking a lot about the Aotea Arts Quarter and the opportunity of this public space for the city.  With the team we are always looking at new creative projects in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and what we could do in future years to ensure we play a unique role locally, nationally and globally.

I love the audiences and the incredibly diverse communities that live here and a big question for me is what do these audiences and communities want from performing arts in 2025 and beyond? These are all important conversations to be having to ensure we always remain relevant and connected to the communities we serve.  I see a lot of incredible performances and am really enjoying getting to know the performing arts scene here in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

I am inspired by the uniqueness of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and how so many amazing individuals do what they do because they love Tāmaki Makaurau.  From visual arts, to climate innovation, film studios to rugby, musicals to tourism, economic development to the zoo, Māori outcomes to major cultural festivals, every day my work is leading me to new ideas and I feel energised and challenged, in the right way.

 

What’s your favourite thing about what you do?

To name a few: enabling amazing creative projects to happen and connecting them to audiences. Collaborating with teams to bring ideas to life.  Finally, experiencing the connection between artists and audiences and feeling the impact of performing arts on those participating and engaging with it. 

 

What attributes do you think are important for a Director of Performing Arts?

A love for and deep understanding of the performing arts – and a curiosity to keep learning new things.  A passion for and commitment to performing arts across a diversity of genres and the ability to collaborate across a big organisation.  To be able to think creatively and strategically, in order to bring projects and programmes to fruition and to always be open to new ideas and ways of doing things.  

 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in your career?

I remember someone once saying to me you will never land on your feet until you are brave enough to jump.  That was when I was 20 and I feel like I have taken the plunge many times, and my life and career is richer for it!

 

What would you say to someone wanting to get into the performing arts?

If you want something go for it!  I feel so grateful I have worked in the performing arts for over 30 years and have had so many wonderful mentors along the way.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to those whose work inspires you.

 

What has been a highlight or special memory for you since arriving in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?

It was incredible to experience Autaia in the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre featuring the powerful performances of so many talented rangatahi.  I also loved seeing Anna Coddington and Georgia Lines perform and witnessing the work of Black Grace’s Company B was also wonderful.  And I loved travelling to Pauanui to see Tina Cross perform.

In addition to all these remarkable shows, being welcomed by the Auckland Live team with a mihi whakatau on my first day was so special and very moving.  I will truly never forget this.

 

How many shows have you seen since being in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?

Since starting at Auckland Live on July 22nd, I’ve been to 30 events. Last weekend I attended six events, so I was on the go!  It was busy but fantastic to experience the buzz of the performing arts across the city.

Read more about Daniel's career here