Cultural Leadership: People and Governance

Overview  

In a rapidly evolving landscape; arts, culture, and heritage organizations need leaders who can steward people, relationships, and dynamic structures with care, clarity, and humility. This six-day intensive is designed for both emerging and seasoned leaders ready to strengthen their capacity to lead through complex governance and operational decisions with a people-centred approach. Focusing on governance and people systems, this program offers practical tools and critical insight to support healthy, values-aligned organizations. The course supports leaders in balancing the needs of the organization, the people, and self, including the complexity of working with people, relationships and systems.

Description

Through content, practical tools, case studies, peer learning, and experiential activities, participants will deepen their understanding of how governance and people practices shape organizational wellbeing. They will explore how to lead with humility, curiosity, and courage—embracing leadership as relational work that supports healthy teams, shared responsibility, and sustainable cultural organizations.

Program highlights

• Board development and effective governance practices
• Aligning governance structures with values and care
• Human resources fundamentals and people-centred systems
• Navigating tensions with confidence, empathy, and clarity
• Strengthening organizational culture and accountability
• Reflective practice as a means of developing leadership methods and ways of working.

Requirements

The program is designed to cater to arts and culture professionals working in organizations of any size and across any art form (visual arts, galleries, museums, theatre, dance, opera, film, music and literature).

This program is suited to those who are looking to build skills that will allow them to run effective organizations, build healthy and sustainable communities, and drive change, including:

• Indigenous, Canadian, and international artists
• Administrators, managers and directors
• Policymakers
• Creative producers
• Education and engagement specialists
• Community-based cultural workers in urban and rural settings
• Consultants

Eligibility

Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. 

Domestic and international applications are welcome.

Visa Eligibility Information: 

• Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
• If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Participants from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.