Arts Management – LARSEN

Disrupting the arts

Art is the business of disruption.

No matter the medium, platform or level of professionalism, the act of making is innately transformational: whether it turns thought into matter (or the other way around), brings different elements together or breaks them down to be shared or understood in different ways.

Help support ‘Beyond best practice boards’

Most of my work and writing over the past several years has focused on the failings of Australia’s arts, cultural and non-profit boards and governance models.

In addition to dozens of articles, panels, keynote speeches and vlog episodes on the subject, this has now led to a new book, which I hope to share with the world this year: Beyond ‘best practice’ boards: why (nearly) everything you think you know about governance is wrong.*

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’?

Have your say on the new national Cultural Policy consultation

The Australian Government is calling for public submissions to inform it’s update of the Revive National Cultural Policy.

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.

Raining on the parade of Generative AI in the arts

The Victorian Government released its updated cultural policy, Creative State 2028, at the end of last year. But I won’t be surprised if you missed it.

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.

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.