Reimagining Cultural Policy: Leading Change Across Governance Systems

Overview  

As cultural policy in Canada and internationally struggles to acknowledge the growing pressure to evolve, decision-makers must understand its foundations, current status, and future possibilities. This program invites participants to critically examine how policy shapes access, equity, and influence—and how it can be reshaped to respectfully enact diverse worldviews and lived experiences. 

Participants will gain tools to dissect cultural policy across local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governance systems, engage with government cycles, and advocate for community-rooted priorities. The course supports leaders in reimagining cultural policy as a living, responsive framework for systemic change.

Description

In this six-day course, participants will not only critically examine Canada’s cultural policy—its colonial foundations, development, and ongoing systemic inequities—but also situate it within a broader international context by reviewing global trends and policy shifts.  This program offers a space for bold thinking, critical reflection, and practical action—where participants can connect, challenge assumptions, and co-create a more inclusive and responsive policy landscape. Through dialogue, case studies, and international comparisons, the course creates a third space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous decision-makers to exchange worldviews, forecast funding futures, and develop advocacy strategies to influence policy and institutional transformation.

Program highlights 

• Unpacking the colonial foundations and lived realities of cultural policy              
• Navigating multi-level governance structures           
• Understanding funding cycles and identifying systemic inequities              
• Applying human-centered and regenerative design to policy development           
• Growing a toolbox/bundle rooted in responsibility, equity, and right relations
• Collaborating across organizations and sectors to drive systemic change
• Reimagining accountable cultural policy as a living, responsive framework for the future

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.