And Another Thing – LARSEN

And another thing: self-care isn’t (always) selfish

As much of our sector prepares for an end-of-year-break, I wanted to share the end of year public service announcement that: self-care isn’t selfish, taking time off isn’t selfish, rest isn’t selfish. In fact, doing #LessIsNecessary.

And another thing: should board members get paid?

This month’s ‘and another thing’ vlog’ is on the tricky issue of board remuneration – or whether board or committee members are or should get paid for their role governing arts, cultural and for-purpose organisations.

And another thing: strategic venting and collegiality as care

Inspired by SACSA’s workforce Plan Updates for the Australian Arts sector, I’ve been thinking about the importance of strategic venting and collegiality as care – two common-sense strategies we’ve all seemed to lose the knack of in recent years.

And another thing: low bar for board diversity

My latest rant bemoans our low expectations when it comes to board diversity.

And another thing: illegal online board meetings

Thanks to the pandemic, we are all very familiar with board meetings that take place partly or entirely online. Doing so is a great way to make meetings more accessible or to expand your pool of potential board members.

But did you know that many organisations that hold online meetings are technically breaking the law?

And another thing: model (rule) minimums

When it comes to governance, what is the difference between what’s recommended and what is actually required?

And another thing: Strategic Plans vs strategic planning

When arts orgs and boards don’t know the difference between Strategic Plans and strategic planning, they risk focusing on self-perpetuation over purpose.

And another thing: from censorship to systemic change

Over the past 21 months, we’ve seen dozens of Australian arts and cultural organisations censor and silence the very artists and practitioners they rely upon for their work.

And another thing: AI and governance

Generative AI platforms like ChatGPT or Meta’s Llama 3 may seem like they’re free to the end user, but they always, always come at a price.

After last month’s mega Meta rant, my latest ‘and another thing’ vlog is an attempt at a quick(er) overview of some of the challenges with Generative AI that are causing real, practical and ethical concerns for boards and organisations, as well as the people who work within them, and the communities they represent and serve.

And another thing: Meta’s Grand Theft AusLit

Like many others, we were dismayed to learn that mega-corporation Meta has stolen the work of thousands of Australian creators to train the Large Language Model for its flagship AI, Llama 3, without permission, license or compensation – including both editions of The Relationship is the Project.