Digital Strategy and AI for Arts and Culture Leaders

Overview  

Digital transformation is not simply about adopting new technologies. It is about how organizations learn, make decisions, structure their work, govern information, and respond to change. As digital technologies reshape how arts and cultural organizations create, engage audiences, and carry out their work, leaders are increasingly called upon to navigate complexity while remaining grounded in mission, values, and community. Arts and cultural organizations vary widely in their resources, capacity, and relationship to technology, but the ability to respond strategically to technological change is becoming an essential leadership skill.

Grounded in Indigenous Wise Practices and informed by national research, sector consultation, and Canada’s first National Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Culture held by the Government of Canada in partnership with the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, this program explores how leaders assess organizational readiness, build shared understanding of emerging technologies, make decisions about adoption, manage changes to roles and workflows, establish responsible approaches to data and AI, and support people through technological change. Through reflection, dialogue, and applied learning, participants will develop the knowledge and confidence needed to lead responsibly in an increasingly digital world. 

Description

This practice-based program examines the opportunities and challenges that digital technology presents for arts, culture, heritage, media, and creative-sector organizations. Through case studies, hands-on learning, peer exchange, and reflective practice, participants will explore how emerging technologies are influencing creative practice, organizational strategy, audience engagement, governance, and decision-making.

Focusing on leadership rather than technical expertise, the program considers artificial intelligence, digital strategy, ethics, Indigenous data stewardship, cultural sovereignty, and organizational change management. Participants will leave with new practical approaches and an action plan to assess digital readiness, strengthen organizational capacity, and support responsible innovation within their organizations. 

Program Highlights

• Strengthen digital literacy and leadership confidence
• Explore the opportunities and implications of artificial intelligence for arts and culture organizations
• Examine Indigenous perspectives on technology, data stewardship, reciprocity, and community accountability
• Consider ethical questions related to privacy, consent, bias, authorship, intellectual property, and cultural sovereignty
• Assess organizational readiness for digital transformation and change
• Learn practical approaches to data-informed decision-making and organizational learning
• Explore how technology can support creativity, accessibility, audience engagement, and public value
• Develop strategies for balancing innovation with mission, values, and community impact
• Build a network of peers from across arts, culture, heritage, media, philanthropy, and the creative industries
• Create a practical action plan for strengthening digital capacity within your organization 

Requirements

This is not a technical training program. This program is designed for leaders working across arts, culture, heritage, media, philanthropy, public agencies, Indigenous organizations, and the creative industries, including:

• Executive Directors and CEOs 
• Artistic and Creative Directors 
• Senior Managers and Department Leaders 
• Museum, Gallery, and Heritage Professionals 
• Cultural Policy and Funding Leaders 
• Media and Screen Industry Professionals 
• Indigenous Cultural Leaders 
• Festival and Arts Service Organization Leaders 

Applicants working outside the arts, heritage, and creative industries must demonstrate in their application how their work will benefit from this program.

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.