Reimagining Cultural Policy: Leading Change Across Governance Systems

As cultural policy in Canada and internationally struggles to acknowledge the growing pressure to evolve, decision-makers must understand its foundations, current status, and future possibilities. This program invites participants to critically examine how policy shapes access, equity, and influence—and how it can be reshaped to respectfully enact diverse worldviews and lived experiences. Participants will gain tools to dissect cultural policy across local, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governance systems, engage with government cycles, and advocate for community-rooted priorities. The course supports leaders in reimagining cultural policy as a living, responsive framework for systemic change. In this six-day course, participants will not only critically examine Canada’s cultural policy—its colonial foundations, development, and ongoing systemic inequities—but also situate it within a broader international context by reviewing global trends and policy shifts. This program offers a space for bold thinking, critical reflection, and practical action—where participants can connect, challenge assumptions, and co-create a more inclusive and responsive policy landscape. Through dialogue, case studies, and international comparisons, the course creates a third space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous decision-makers to exchange worldviews, forecast funding futures, and develop advocacy strategies to influence policy and institutional transformation. Program highlights Unpacking the colonial foundations and lived realities of cultural policy Navigating multi-level governance structures Understanding funding cycles and identifying systemic inequities Applying human-centered and regenerative design to policy development Growing a toolbox/bundle rooted in responsibility, equity, and right relations Collaborating across organizations and sectors to drive systemic change Reimagining accountable cultural policy as a living, responsive framework for the future Duration of residency 6 days Accommodation Single room in hotel Disciplines, work equipment and assistance This program is designed for arts, heritage, and creative industries professionals working in organizations of any size and across all art forms, including visual arts, galleries, museums, theatre, dance, opera, film, music, and literature. It is well suited to: administrators, managers, and directors in arts and heritage organizations and creative industries creative producers and consultants working with arts organizations education and engagement specialists in these sectors artists (Indigenous, Canadian, and international) community-based arts and heritage workers in urban and rural settings Fees and support Limited financial aid is available Expectations towards the artist N/A Application information Foro more information and to apply Related Listing Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity Application deadline 2026-09-22 Residency starts 2026-12-06 Residency ends 2026-12-11 Location Canada Link to more information https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/cultural-leadership/reimagining-cultural-policy-leading-change-across-governance-systems Link to more information 2 https://www.banffcentre.ca/cultural-leadership