Who is Sheena Boughen?
Daughter of musicians, realistic optimist, sees world through eyes of an anthropologist and educator. Loves encouraging next generation of ambitious women in business & community sectors. I take an expansive view of the world, and love to collaborate with imaginative, future focused people.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Learn to be patient earlier on in life, step back, listen well and remember that small acts of love and generosity are as valuable as large steps to build a better world.
Who inspires you and why?
So many! My mother Christina (deceased) as she was the most loving gracious mother, and such an ambitious, disciplined musician. Artists of all types. My husband Bill Caldicott who wakes up joyful & curious every day, and the Our Community team for their innovation and deep care.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Inequality is the great problem of our society affecting everyone and every situation – health, education, culture and opportunity. If we truly integrated the economy, the arts and the environment in our planning and actions, then we’d have more beauty, a healthier environment and a more dynamic economy. Start imagining and designing a disruptive model for arts organisations that supports & sustains musicians and the teams who enrich our lives.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love the Kimberley area and deserts in Australia, with the contrast of reds, greens and blues. Marseille, the Maine coastline north of Boston, and Japanese cities…
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Four Winds music venue just south of Bermagui NSW on Yuin country. In town – Honorbread, Bermagui Gelati Clinic (Italian owners), fresh fish off the boats, Il Passaggio Provodore, Bermagui Beach Hotel looking towards Gulaga Mountain. Why? – simply beautiful local produce in a divine natural landscape.
What are you currently reading?
Anthro Vision: How Anthropology can explain business and Life by Gillian Tett; Seven Fires: Grilling the Agentine Way by Francis Mallman; and Leadership on the Line by R. Heifetz & M. Linsky.
What are you currently listening to?
Swimming in string quartet recordings including ASQ (of course), Jack quartet and other quartets like Brodsky and Kronos to hear the contrasting voices they bring. Also Matt Laing’s new music compositions and Martha Marlow’s Medicine Man.
Happiness is?
Late afternoon, sitting outdoors with my love and a small group of friends around our firepit, with a glass of wine, shucking local oysters.
What does the future hold for you?
Getting into Queensland to see my dear Papa! Learning through new experiences! On the road with ASQ, meeting our audiences in the intimate settings that the musicians invite us into.
Sheena is one of Australia’s most highly regarded arts leaders, who joined the Australian String Quartet Board earlier this year, has been appointed Chair-Elect effective immediately and Chair from January 2022. For more information, visit: www.asq.com.au for details.
Image: Sheena Boughen OAM (supplied)