And Another Thing – LARSEN

And another thing: the governance industrial complex

What happens when for-purpose and for-profit governance consultants and training providers become so entwined with common-practice systems and requirements they pursue their own interests over those of the orgs they support, or what those organisations are trying to achieve? This is the governance industrial complex, and the subject of my latest ‘and another thing’ vlog.

And another thing: introducing Artist Corporations

Did you know that you don’t need to incorporate as a not-for-profit organisation for your work to serve a purpose?

My latest ‘and another thing’ vlog is about an exciting new governance innovation that’s come out of the US this year: The Artist-Corporation or A-Corp.

And another thing: board officeholders

Arts boards, did you know that you don’t need a Chairperson? And that you don’t need a Treasurer either?

And another thing: board (lack of) diversity

This month’s ‘and another thing’ rant is about the newly-released Board (lack of) Diversity Index and our lower-than-low definitions of success.

And another thing: on advocacy as hope

After the Revive national cultural policy consultation, reactions to the proposed NDIS cuts and more, this month’s ‘and another thing’ vlog is about advocacy as an act of hope.

And another thing: on issues with representative boards

Should arts boards be made up of artists or cultural workers with direct experience of an organisation’s work? Or should we have more business people on boards to apply a corporate lens to how things ‘should be done’?

And another thing: Company Secretaries vs company secretariats

Boards, have you delegated your Company Secretary responsibilities to a member of staff? Or are you a staff Company Secretary who’s had that work thrust upon them – without understanding the responsibilities or risks?

The landmark Star Entertainment lawsuit has put Company Secretaries into the spotlight this month – and sent a lot of organisations into a panic as a result. But most arts, cultural and non-profit organisations should be alert, but not alarmed.

And another thing: on the violence of governance

Arts boards, I move that we stop moving motions. Because our unnecessary and ineffective governance procedures are doing more harm than good.

And another thing: on getting better at endings

This month’s ‘and another thing’ vlog is about endings, and the difference between knowing when it’s time for something to end, and the types of endings that are outside our control. Because, let’s be honest, our sector isn’t great at either.

And another thing: issues with appointed boards

My first ‘and another thing’ vlog for the year is inspired by the Adelaide Festival and the need to talk about Ministerially-appointed boards.