From Data to Relational Direction: Evaluative Practices for Cultural Leaders

As cultural organizations navigate complexity and pursue meaningful impact, evaluative thinking and data management are vital leadership tools. Critical strategic planning that considers intentional resource allocation for organisational evaluation processes is essential for today’s arts and culture ecosystem. This program equips participants to clarify priorities through learning agendas, design integrated data approaches that balance numbers with narrative, and use evaluation to activate strategic plans. Arts-based, participatory action  and AI-supported methods will enrich reflection and storytelling, helping leaders strengthen transparency, adaptability, and shared learning across their organizations.

Description

Over six days, participants will engage in a dynamic, practice-based learning environment designed to build leadership capacity through evaluation and data strategy. Guided by hands-on labs, peer exchange, reflexive praxis and case studies, they will experiment with tools that support strategic decision-making, team engagement, and organizational learning.

The program emphasizes real-world application, encouraging participants to challenge assumptions and refine internal systems. By the end, each participant will leave with a customized roadmap to embed evaluative practices across their organization—advancing accountability, responsiveness, and long-term resilience in the cultural sector.

Program highlights 

  • Build learning agendas that clarify what matters most
  • Design integrated data strategies that balance numbers with narrative
  • Use evaluation to activate strategic plans
  • Explore arts-based, participatory action and AI-supported methods for reflection and storytelling
  • Strengthen internal systems for transparency, adaptability, and shared learning

For more information and to apply.

Deadline
Residency Length
6 days - 6 days
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
28
Collaborative Residency
Must apply and be accepted individually
Discipline
Acting
Animation
Architecture
Art Conservation
Art Education
Art History
Augmented Reality
Blacksmithing
Book Arts
Ceramics/Clay Arts/Pottery
Choreography
Computing
Costume/Fashion Design
Criticism
Dance
Digital Fabrication
Digital Media
Documentary
Drawing
Electronic Arts
Environmental Arts
Fiction
Film
Fine Metals/Jewelry
Glass Arts
Graphic Design
History
Illustration
Industrial Design
Installation Arts
Interdisciplinary Arts
Journalism
Landscape Architecture
Literary Nonfiction
Literature
Mixed Media
Moving Image
Multimedia Arts
Music
New Genres
Nonfiction
Opera
Painting
Paper Arts
Performance Art
Philosophy
Photography
Playwriting
Poetry
Printmaking
Public Art
Science
Screenwriting
Sculpture
Social Practice
Sound Art
Storytelling
Symphony
Textile & Fiber Arts/Weaving
Theater
Translation
TV + Radio
Virtual Reality
Visual Arts
Woodworking
Writing
Companions
Pets are not allowed
Family Friendly
N/A
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
N/A
Accessible Housing
Partially Accessible (50% or more)
Meals Provided
All meals
Type of Housing
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Additional Eligibility Information

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
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
3683
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)

$3 683.00

+GST

Application Fee

$65 for individuals, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.

The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom. 

Grant/Scholarship/other Funding Support
Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support Details

Funding of up to $2500 is available to support participants. Those working for non-profits and smaller organizations are encouraged to apply.

If you would like to be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.

Application Fee
65
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Application Type
Open application