From Data to Relational Direction: Evaluative Practices for Cultural Leaders

Overview

From Data to Relational Direction: Evaluative Practices for Cultural Leaders is a 6-day residency program at Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity designed to build leadership capacity through evaluation and data strategy. Participants engage in a dynamic, practice-based learning environment featuring hands-on labs, peer exchange, reflexive praxis, and case studies. The program equips cultural leaders to clarify priorities through learning agendas, design integrated data approaches that balance numbers with narrative, and use evaluation to activate strategic plans.

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

Eligibility

Open 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) at any stage of career. Particularly 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; and consultants.

Residency Details

• Duration: 6 days
• Average number of participants: 28
• Housing: Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
• Meals: All meals provided
• Languages: English
• Accessibility: Partially accessible (50% or more)
• Pets: Not allowed
• Collaborative residency: Must apply and be accepted individually

Fees

• Application fee: $65 for individuals, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous (non-refundable)
• Residency fee: $3,683 CAD per person (tuition, accommodation, and meal plan) plus GST

Funding Support

Funding of up to $2,500 is available to support participants. Those working for non-profits and smaller organizations are encouraged to apply. To be considered, complete the Financial Aid section when uploading supporting materials.

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: July 14, 2026

How to Apply

Complete the open application through SlideRoom. For more information and to apply, visit http://url.banffcentre.ca/bgOxDY