Partnerships in the Arts: Building Resilient Cultural Ecosystems

Overview  

In today’s interconnected and resource-constrained world, arts and culture leaders must move beyond transactional relationships to build strategic partnerships that foster shared purpose and organizational resilience. This program, offered in partnership with the UK based global Partnership Brokers Association, will enable participants to explore ethical partnering, interest holder alignment, and strategies for long-term impact.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Banff Centre and the Partnership Brokers Association, which includes access to their resource materials and global Partnership Broker's network.

Description

This six-day course equips participants to design and lead high-performing partnerships across public, private, nonprofit, and community sectors. Participants will explore the full partnership cycle—from scoping and brokering to sustaining outcomes and learn about the full spectrum of collaborative relationships. Topics include interest holder mapping, shared governance, resource sharing, and navigating power dynamics. 

Through hands-on workshops, peer exchange, and real-world scenarios, participants will leave with a customized partnership strategy and the confidence to lead collaborative initiatives that are bold, inclusive, and future-focused.

Program highlights

• The partnership spectrum: from cooperation to co-creation
• Principles of equitable and ethical partnering
• Tools for interest holder mapping, value alignment, and shared governance
• Strategies for resource sharing, joint storytelling, and collective outcomes
• Case studies of cross-sector partnerships in arts and culture
• Navigating power dynamics, risk, and accountability in complex collaborations

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.