ArtsLab

Perspectives Gained

Building resiliency for a world that is complex and changing rapidly must be core content in any professional training program focused on strengthening leadership and strategy development. The rate and multiple dimensions of change give urgency to the need for challenging old practices and continually evolving new approaches to organizational life as well as to professional development. To carry our work forward in this new era ArtsLab believes that artists and arts organizations need to re-examine their

• Relevancy to community life
• Relationships across sectors and through virtual and local networks
• Flexibility of thought and strategic response
• Adaptability through continual rethinking and continual programmatic response to change
• Leadership, which must be bold, risk-taking and strategic

While the concept of perpetual adaptation may seem simple, the shifts are not easily accomplished. We are taught to approach our work based on best practices, well-honed through historically proven management science that focuses on growth, competition, and a vision of always moving to that “bigger box.” Shifting away from “bigger box” thinking requires new approaches to our work, and intentionality while we selectively abandon old “best practices.” ArtsLab encourages flexible, nimble and adaptable approaches to resiliency in a world of complexity and change.

We invite you to read our summary final report of our 2008-2011 programming cycle, New Perspectives — Growing Impact.