Meet our Manager of Research and Insights, Caitlin McNaughton! Join us as we take a few moments to go beyond the bio and get to know our team's newest addition.

Tell us a bit about your background, Caitlin!

Going back to the very beginning, my Mum was a writer and my Dad was a Statistics teacher so I grew up surrounded by words and numbers.

Jumping forward a few years, I’ve joined the team from my previous role as Marketing and Communications Manager at Chunky Move, where I learned to love the oft-misunderstood art form of contemporary dance.

Before that I was at Melbourne Fringe, where I worked in management roles across ticketing, communications and development. Melbourne Fringe was a real learning and playing ground for me as an arts manager, and it was where I really honed my passion for data and my analytical skills.

What is your role at Patternmakers?

I’m in the newly created role of Manager, Research and Insights, where I’ll take a lead role in overseeing client projects, designing methodologies and managing the research team to ensure high quality insights for our clients.

What is your favourite type of cultural experience and why?

I gravitate towards experimental art in non-traditional spaces.

But I also love sitting in a comfy seat for three hours to watch a big-budget, cheesy musical.

Favourite city or the most interesting place you’ve visited or travelled?

All of my travelling highlights centre around food. Porto is a beautiful city, and they also have this ridiculous sandwich called a Francesinha - Google it. Also…Portuguese tarts…

What do you do outside of Patternmakers?

Outside of Patternmakers I keep busy playing basketball and netball a few nights a week, as well as going to plenty of arts events around Melbourne: especially theatre, cinema and gigs. Otherwise, you can find me on my couch reading a good book or watching whatever prestige TV drama (or questionable reality show) I'm currently obsessed with.

What's your working style?

Years working in festivals and events have made me pretty proactive and willing to roll up my sleeves and get stuck into any task thrown my way! I tend to approach my work in a methodical and detail-oriented way, while always leaving some room for creativity and spontaneity. I'm also a collaborative worker and communicator, and I really value people's individual skillsets – I reckon everyone brings a unique point of view to the table, no matter their experience level.

Why are you excited to work for Patternmakers?

With over ten years’ experience working in the arts, I have seen firsthand the importance of research, evaluation and data-led decision making. Patternmakers is doing vital work to ensure the sustainability of our sector, and the Audience Outlook Monitor has been a lifeline throughout the pandemic and beyond.

About the Author

Melanie Raveendran
Digital Marketing Associate

Beyond the Bio: Caitlin McNaughton