Alternative Hierarchies in Arts Organisations (OPEN SPACE)

Calling question:

What can emerge when arts organisations employ alternatives to traditional hierarchies within their leadership structures?

Context for the question & who the event is for:

According to the Imagine it Different Report there is “continued reliance on traditional, hierarchical leadership styles in the [arts] sector, with leaders drawing most often on skills that suggest individual responses and ‘leader led’ solutions, rather than a [collaborative] systems leadership approach which is increasingly recognised as more effective in other sectors” (Clore Leadership, 2024).

This event draws on these concerns; asking whether alternative approaches to hierarchy and leadership can embody the values which characterises so much of participatory and socially engaged arts practice. We will explore the place of collaboration, shared-decision making, community building and democratic processes within arts leadership and governance.

You will hear provocations from guest speakers based on their experiences of working in arts organisations which operate outside of traditional hierarchies. After this we will invite you to be part of the conversation.

Topics for discussion may include:

• varied approaches to organising and leadership within arts organisations;
• the benefits of adopting non-hierarchical leadership structures;
• an insight into the challenges of these approaches;
• and the nuts and bolts of how different ways of organising work.

Speakers: We will announce guest speakers shortly. In the meantime, if you work in an arts organisation with an alternative leadership structure and are interested in speaking at this event please contact marianne@collective-encounters.org.uk

Event Format: Open Spaces are participant-led events where the agenda and discussion are driven by those in the room. At the beginning of the event guest speakers will introduce some key ideas, principles and practices behind the theme and offer provocations for discussion. Together we set the agenda and you will be able to move freely between conversations.

Ticket Cost: £5.00

We also have a small number of bursary places available for those with limited funds, please email info@collective-encounters.org.uk

Access: This event will use live transcription. If you require any other access support please get in touch before the event