Bridget Alfred’s best life
Bridget Alfred, the CEO of SALA Festival, reveals what brings her joy in life, the hardest lessons she’s had to learn, her favourite songs and why she’s so passionate about helping South Australian artists fulfill their creative dreams.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your childhood.
I grew up in a large family. So, I’m used to a certain degree of chaos and being surrounded by people that I really like. It translates well to my current blended family of seven (eight including Polly, our lovely 13-year-old dog) and to working in the arts!
People talk about being a young child in the ’70s as idyllic, and it was. We were mostly outside, on bikes and up trees, the only downside was itchy jumpers and stiff jeans. When we were inside, I usually had my nose in a book or pencil and drawing pad in my hand, with family members reluctant but resigned models. I’ve always been fascinated by faces and the stories they tell, and my love of drawing and painting started early.
Give us a brief insight into what you do now?
I’m lucky to work in an industry I love; art and creative expression has been central to human culture and community since the dawn of time, I love being part of that. As CEO of a small arts organisation, you have stewardship over the vision and purpose of the organisation. In SALA’s case, the vision is that South Australian living visual artists’ work is recognised locally, nationally and globally. We champion SA artists by creating opportunities to share and promote their work to diverse audiences, and this builds our state’s cultural impact, and we do this by working closely with a supportive network of partners and donors. My role is to lead a very talented team to shape and grow the programs that facilitate and deliver to artists, communities and audiences, within financial and ethical parameters, so my work is a mix of strategic and creative planning, project management, looking after relationships, financial management, lots of reporting, and supporting staff.
What is your most treasured photograph and why?
I have many of these too, my 19-year-old daughter vetoed an entire catalogue so I have included this one, no permissions required! This is a photograph taken by the same daughter of my partner Tim and I recently, we had all just made it down to Carrickalinga after a very big year and year’s end and most of the family are ahead of us with the dog on the beach. Tim, as usual, is holding a certain someone’s shoes! This captured a lovely moment of simple happiness, relief and release. I look at it and it takes me straight there, and I think, I have a lucky life.
Bridget and Tim on Carrickalinga Beach.
What brings you joy in life?
So many things! My family and my friends, good food, good music, having a laugh, dancing, swimming in the ocean, a good book, getting a new project across the line, seeing other people achieve, helping artists, running up a hill, precious down time. I’m sure there’s more.
What is the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn ?
There’ve been a few and I’m sure there’ll be more…Knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold’em and how to ask for help are two that spring to mind. I’m still learning the second one. Life throws up challenges for everyone, it’s a great opportunity for empathy really. No one goes unscathed and everyone needs kindness.
Top five songs on your playlist:
Cry to Me – Solomon Burke – favourite movie moment from Dirty Dancing.
Edamame – bbno$, Rich Brian – makes me laugh and a good car dance song.
Tear in Space – Glass Animals – recommended by my interstate-based daughter.
Drop the Pilot, Joan Armatrading – makes me think of my mother dancing with thumbs up.
Kinderszenenen – Schumann – calms me down.
SALA Festivals run from August 1-31. Artist registrations close on May 14.
