Cultural Leadership: Reflecting Forward with Wise Practices - November 2026
Banff CentreAbout This Opportunity
“Indigenous wise practices, leadership in arts and culture, governance, community engagement”
What does it mean to lead well in today's arts and culture sector? How do you know you're making the right decision for yourself, your organization, and your community? What does it look like to be strategic and thoughtful while managing risk in a rapidly evolving sector?
Leadership in the arts and culture sector is complex, dynamic, and deeply connected to community. This program invites emerging and experienced leaders to explore leadership through the lens of Indigenous wise practices, right relations, deep listening, self-inquiry, and leadership as a means, not a destination.
Over six days, participants will reflect on their leadership values and experiences while learning alongside a peer cohort of cultural leaders. Participants will be given an opportunity to bring cultural challenges into the room and work through them using wise practice principles.
Together, we will delve into areas such as governance, strategic thinking, organizational development, cultural policy and protocols, and community engagement — not as isolated skills, but as interconnected elements of resilient, values-based leadership.
Program highlights:
- Wise Practices Leadership Competencies
- Leadership as Practice
- Designing for Action: Social Network Mapping
- Strategic Thinking in a Changing Sector
- Self-inquiry, Reflection, Land-based Deep Listening
- Collaborative Decision Making
- Insights from the Inside: Converse with CEOs
Eligibility & Requirements
Career Stage
Geographic Eligibility
Eligible Countries
Disciplines
Age Requirements
18+ years old
Applicant Type
Individual artists only
Additional Requirements
Open application. Supporting materials required (complete Financial Aid section if requesting funding).
Note
The program is designed for 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). Suited for 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. Applicants must be 18+ at the time of program start date. Domestic and international applications welcome.
Compensation & Benefits
Overview
Funding of up to $2,500 CAD available to support participants (priority for non-profits and smaller organizations). Residency fees: $3,683 CAD.
Amount
Up to CA$2,500
Includes
Detailed Breakdown
Funding of up to $2500 is available to support participants. Those working for non-profits and smaller organizations are encouraged to apply. Complete the Financial Aid section when uploading supporting materials to be considered.
What's Provided
Housing Provided
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Accessibility
Partially Accessible (50% or more). See accessibility statement at https://www.banffcentre.ca/participant-resources/medical-information
