Before the Plan: Strategic Foresight for Cultural Leadership

Overview  

As cultural institutions navigate accelerating change and increasing complexity, leaders can build personal and institutional capacity to meet the demands of an uncertain future.  Foresight can provide insight to make strategic planning more robust and resilient.

This program invites participants to grapple with some of the most strategic questions facing the sector: What emerging social, technological, economic and environmental changes could disrupt the cultural ecosystem? How could these disruptors shape cultural futures? How can cultural institutions respond to build a better future? This workshop will use foresight tools in a learning-by-doing process to facilitate a dialogue on the broad changes that lie ahead for the sector.

Description

Over six days, participants will use the tools of strategic foresight to deepen their capacity to think long-term, respond to disruption, and lead with purpose. Participants will explore how the cultural ecosystem could evolve and respond to the disruptive forces on the horizon, equipping them to better face the future(s).

The program involves hands-on workshops, strategic dialogue, and external speakers to challenge assumptions and expand horizons. Participants will leave with a powerful toolkit to lead boldly, think long-term, and create lasting cultural impact as they learn to use scanning, system mapping and vision-building with increasing confidence.

Program highlights 

• Explore a range of futures and the challenges and opportunities that could emerge.
• Design visions and strategies that are resilient, adaptive, and future ready.
• Lead with purpose in rapidly changing and interconnected cultural ecosystems.

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. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.