From Data to Relational Direction: Evaluative Practices for Cultural Leaders

Overview  

As cultural organizations navigate complexity and pursue meaningful impact, evaluative thinking and data management are vital leadership tools. Critical strategic planning that considers intentional resource allocation for organisational evaluation processes is essential for today’s arts and culture ecosystem. This program equips participants to clarify priorities through learning agendas, design integrated data approaches that balance numbers with narrative, and use evaluation to activate strategic plans. Arts-based, participatory action  and AI-supported methods will enrich reflection and storytelling, helping leaders strengthen transparency, adaptability, and shared learning across their organizations.

Description

Over six days, participants will engage in a dynamic, practice-based learning environment designed to build leadership capacity through evaluation and data strategy. Guided by hands-on labs, peer exchange, reflexive praxis and case studies, they will experiment with tools that support strategic decision-making, team engagement, and organizational learning.

The program emphasizes real-world application, encouraging participants to challenge assumptions and refine internal systems. By the end, each participant will leave with a customized roadmap to embed evaluative practices across their organization—advancing accountability, responsiveness, and long-term resilience in the cultural sector.

Program highlights 

• Build learning agendas that clarify what matters most
• Design integrated data strategies that balance numbers with narrative
• Use evaluation to activate strategic plans
• Explore arts-based, participatory action and AI-supported methods for reflection and storytelling
• Strengthen internal systems for transparency, adaptability, and shared learning

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.