Governance & Financial Resilience: Executive Tools for a Changing Sector

In a rapidly evolving cultural landscape, organizations need leaders who bring clarity, confidence, and integrity to complex challenges. This six-day intensive is designed for both emerging and seasoned leaders ready to deepen their strategic capacity. 

Rooted in the intersection of governance and financial strategy, the program delivers practical tools and critical insights to help build resilient, values-driven organizations. 

It’s not about bookkeeping—it’s about leadership. 

Through peer exchange and guided exploration, participants will learn to ask better questions, navigate complexity with confidence, and design systems that support purposeful, humble leadership. 

Grounded in the pillars of governance and financial resilience within the context of community, the program offers practical tools and strategic insights to help leaders build organizations that are adaptive and financially sound.

Program highlights

  • Board development and governance
  • Strengthening organizational culture and relationships
  • Leading conversations with confidence and empathy
  • Decision-making strategies
  • Aligning financial planning and decisions with organizational values
  • Revenue diversification and risk management
  • Unpacking leadership as a journey, not a destination

Through case studies, peer learning, and experiential activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to shape governance and financial practices that foster trust and support vibrant organizational cultures. They’ll explore how to lead with joy, humility, and a sense of abundance—embracing the possibility that leadership in the cultural sector can be creative, connected, and even fun, rather than defined by scarcity.

Financial aid is available.

Learn more and 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

Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date. 

Domestic and international applications are welcome.

Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
3465
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Fee Details

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

$3 465.00

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