Tish Naughton Interview
Leading with Visibility: Feast Festival’s Next Chapter through CEO Tish Naughton’s Eyes
From attending Feast for the first time in 2007 to being appointed CEO 16 years later, Tish Naughton shares how her experiences with Feast and her role as CEO have shaped her life and leadership approach.
Tish brings a wealth of experience from various industries, including financial, building and real estate, retail, the arts, and not-for-profit sectors. Appointed as CEO of Feast Festival in April 2023, she set out to steer the festival through its next stage of growth and diversification. Along the way, Tish’s leadership has evolved, as she continues learning from both the people she works with and the community she serves.
Feast has always been a safe space for queer artists to express themselves. But for Tish, it’s more than that; it’s a celebration of queer everything. She reflects, “I’ve always been out and never ashamed, but growing up, I didn’t feel proud. Being part of Feast helped me understand that pride.” For many queer people growing up, internalised hesitancy to fully claim their identity is a common experience. Tish acknowledges that healing from it takes time and that without a supportive community to affirm and uplift you, that journey can feel even longer.
Entering a leadership role where she actively engages with people whose experiences differ greatly from hers has been eye-opening. Tish explains her approach to advocacy as not about changing minds but about creating understanding. “By sharing experiences, we create connections,” she says. “It’s not about convincing people, but about giving them the chance to see things from a different perspective.”
Tish recalls her initial fears about stepping into the CEO role. A self-doubt loomed: “Am I gay enough?” she wondered. But the community’s warmth and the role’s potential impact inspired her to accept the position, despite the nerves. Looking back, she says, “If someone had told me at my first Feast Festival that I would be here today, I wouldn’t have believed them. But now, this role is part of who I am. I can’t not do it.”
In her leadership, Tish emphasises listening over imposing her own ideas. “It’s irrelevant what I think; it’s not about me,” she states. Her openness has shaped a leadership style that is adaptable, allowing her to consider multiple perspectives while keeping Feast’s mission at the heart of all decisions.
Feast is embracing accessibility more than ever before. One example is the evolution of the Gayla, which has expanded from a comedy event to a multi-faceted variety show featuring musicians, drag performers, comedians, and even aerialists! Last year, Feast live-streamed the event to make it accessible to those unable to attend in person. “We’re more accessible than ever,” Tish explains, “with accessibility being a key consideration in all programming.”
When reflecting on the success of the festival, Tish notes that the real impact isn’t in measurable KPIs, but in the intangible connections and sense of community that Feast creates a home for. “How do you measure goosebumps, or the impact of changing hearts and minds?”
Tish also knows that, despite Feast’s tremendous achievements over the last 28 years, the work isn’t done. “We’ve come so far, but we have more to lose,” she says. “We must continue fighting for representation, visibility, and celebration.”
Through her leadership, Tish has helped cultivate a workplace where inclusivity and advocacy are more than just values on paper; they’re embedded in the way the team works, collaborates, and connects with the community. While her journey to this point hasn’t been easy, it is a testament to the power of dedication and the ongoing pursuit of positive change.
As she looks ahead to Feast’s next chapter, Tish remains committed to opening minds, deepening understanding, and leading with heart and integrity. “It’s thanks to every performer, volunteer, partner, and attendee that Feast continues to grow. Each year, our community shows up with creativity, courage, and love, helping us build a festival where everyone can feel seen, celebrated, and at home.” As we look to the future, we’re more excited than ever to keep growing — becoming even more inclusive, more accessible, and more connected. Feast belongs to all of us.
Written by Feast’s Storyteller, Stiles Swanepoel (he/they)
14 November 2024
Talking to the Box Office...