Press Kit

Marcus Desando transforms cultural institutions through collaborative leadership that empowers artists and builds sustainable organizations. His approach, grounded in Ubuntu philosophy and informed by over 25 years of artistic practice, focuses on creating resilient cultural ecosystems where strategic vision meets collective purpose.

As Executive Director of the Prince Claus Fund, Marcus championed cultural development and international collaboration, strengthening the organization's impact across communities where cultural expression faces pressure. As CEO of the Arts and Culture Trust, he advanced South Africa's cultural infrastructure through innovative funding models and capacity-building initiatives that supported emerging artists while ensuring organizational sustainability.

Marcus's leadership philosophy is shaped by his experience directing 50+ opera productions internationally, where he learned that meaningful impact emerges from giving people agency and fostering collaboration. This artistic foundation informs his strategic work, bringing creative problem-solving and holistic thinking to cultural management.

Committed to developing the next generation of cultural leaders, Marcus lectures and supervises at leading South African universities including Tshwane University of Technology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and University of the Witwatersrand, and founded the Gauteng Opera Academy for young aspiring opera singers. He holds an MSc in Management of Technology and Innovation from The Da Vinci Institute and is completing his PhD researching sustainability and Self-reliance in South African cultural and Creative industries.

Marcus Desando builds resilient cultural institutions through collaborative leadership grounded in Ubuntu philosophy—the understanding that collective success depends on empowering every individual in the cultural ecosystem. With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a strategic leader who transforms organizations by combining visionary direction with deep understanding of artistic practice, creating sustainable cultural impact across Africa and internationally.

Marcus's leadership approach is informed by his belief that meaningful change emerges when people are given agency to contribute toward shared goals. This philosophy, shaped by directing more than 50 opera productions, guides his work in building organizations where strategic vision meets collective purpose. He thrives in environments that combine creativity with strategic direction, seeing the whole picture while empowering diverse voices to shape outcomes.

As Executive Director of the Prince Claus Fund, Marcus led international cultural development initiatives that championed artists and cultural practitioners as agents of positive change. He strengthened the organization's global impact, navigating budget cuts while expanding reach to communities where cultural expression faces pressure. His tenure demonstrated how collaborative leadership and trust-based relationships create lasting cultural impact beyond transactional funding models.

During his time as CEO of the Arts and Culture Trust, Marcus advanced South Africa's cultural infrastructure through innovative approaches to capacity building and sustainable funding. He supported emerging artists while transforming organizational strategy, proving that cultural institutions can be both artistically ambitious and financially resilient. His leadership extended to co-founding DOMO (Developing Original Music Opportunities), creating new pathways for South African composers and musicians.

Marcus's artistic practice as an opera director spans classical masterworks by Mozart, Puccini, and Verdi to contemporary African operas including Bessie: The Blue-Eyed Xhosa and Hani. His directorial work across venues including Artscape Theatre, The State Theatre Pretoria, and internationally has taught him that opera, like organizational leadership, succeeds when collaboration, clarity of vision, and respect for each contributor's role converge. This understanding of how different roles contribute to a unified goal directly informs his approach to cultural management.

Committed to developing the next generation of cultural leaders, Marcus lectures and supervises at leading South African universities including Tshwane University of Technology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, and University of the Witwatersrand, where he supervises Honours and Master's students in Cultural and Policy Management. He founded the Gauteng Opera Academy for young aspiring opera singers, creating a comprehensive training program that prepares emerging opera professionals through integrated vocal, dramatic, and professional development. He holds an MSc in Management of Technology and Innovation from The Da Vinci Institute and is completing his PhD researching sustainability and Self-reliance in South African cultural and Creative industries.

Central to Marcus's work is the conviction that music and culture are more than beauty—they are meaningful vehicles for human connection, social development, and community advancement. He creates spaces where cultural organizations can be both artistically vibrant and organizationally sustainable, where vision meets collective purpose, and where every voice contributes to lasting cultural impact.