Arts Leadership in Contemporary Contexts

In Arts Leadership in Contemporary Contexts, Josephine Caust‘s central argument is that the broad topic of leadership, when applied to the arts, takes on specific qualities and models. Thus, the book is a thorough catalogue showing not only how the arts work, but also how they are unique. Caust takes a global view, sometimes literally, leading to deep insights into how artists produce their work, stakeholder relationships nuances, pertinent contemporary issues, and how organizations tick. Each of these topics is directly tied to leadership. Caust asks, "Is leadership an action, a perspective, a behavior, a position or simply a noun or a verb?” (89). In fact, it is all of these, just maybe not all at once. Every person in the process, from artist to stakeholder, has a role to play in the leadership of an arts organization. In the contemporary context for the arts, these roles are changing and evolving.

 

Caust presents the story of a closely knit ecosystem within the arts where every piece is connected and ultimately has leadership consequences. "The arts represent the best of us… everyone in the arts needs to take responsibility for this - we are all leaders and we all must set an example” (169). Leadership naturally involves multiple people who could be connected in a plethora of ways. The book is full of these connections: artists with artists, artists with organizations, organizations with organizations, organizations with myriad of stakeholders. For the arts, this no doubt has always been the case. Many of our earliest records of art give evidence of collaboration, interaction and connectedness. What has changed, and what is outlined here in the contemporary context, is the mediums and purposes shaping them. An arts organization operating today must take this into account as it navigates the complex world it operates in.

 

A true strength of Arts Leadership in Contemporary Contexts is the practical examples and case studies sprinkled throughout each chapter. The reader is taken on a whirlwind tour from Asia, to Canada, to the UK, Africa, and back again. Each case spotlights an arts organization undertaking truly innovative work. Their leadership model is highlighted to emphasize chapter topics, and the voice of organizational leaders colour each example. For example, the case of Te Papa (National Museum of New Zealand) is notable for its bi-cultural bi-lingual management, showcasing leadership which is shared and sensitive to a diverse range of stakeholders. Te Papa is a partnership with indigenous people and is focused on representing and stimulating discussion about the diversity found throughout the country. Not only are cases such as this interesting on their own, but they show just how broad and ever-present the arts are around the globe. From a practitioner perspective, these cases give an excellent jumping off point for discovery which could be brought back to one’s own experience and leadership.

 

Caust touches on several social issues throughout the text which administrators need to pay close attention to - most prominently the topic of gender and representation. "…art, like leadership, is something that invokes many different views and responses” (4). Art has often been the catalyst for social change and several examples are given here which implore organizations to think deeply about issues of equity and diversity. Representation, not confined purely to gender, is an area where organizations can lead. Many are already doing this, however, there is still a way to go. Most notably, public funders such as the Canada Council for the Arts and Arts Council England have recently taken significant strides to encourage more discussion and subsequent action - hopefully leading to a more diverse sector where artists and arts administrators from all backgrounds feel inspired to change the world through their work.

 

Change is also occurring outside the sector in terms of how the arts are being grouped and defined. Caust rightly points to a shift from Arts & Sciences in many jurisdictions to something more like Cultural Industries, Entertainment & Arts, or some facsimile. These are merely titles, and thus may have little bearing on the sector as a whole. However, we are left wondering how the arts are being seen and thought of in the contemporary world. For example, should a symphony and a video game creative (developer) be funded by the same government grant? Should a film made for commercial purposes be in the same awards category alongside a small immersive theatre company? These are potentially heavy questions, and as Cause points out several times, may be dependent on the region and government. Leadership is important in these conversations as well. Organizations who clearly articulate their vision and art will be best suited for the new pressures and blurred lines. This may also be a topic where visionary leaders can play a larger role. What remains is that, now more than ever, what is the arts and who is an artist may have never been more challenging to define.

 

Arts Leadership in Contemporary Contexts is perfectly timed for the current situation we find ourselves in. The arts have been decimated due to the pandemic and other deleterious ramifications. As we emerge from these harsh events, the arts are opening around the globe, and arts organizations are faced with the question of how to move forward. No doubt many will revert to how they have traditionally operated. Others will have used resources such as this book to think about how to become more resilient. To become more innovative. Organizations will need to connect with stakeholders in such a way where another global catastrophe would be a mere bump in the road rather than teetering on a cliff for survival.

 

Finally, Caust addresses no doubt the most significant contemporary issue for arts leadership: technology. It has transformed how artists work and how organization bring art to the public. Museums are no longer confined to residents and visitors of large cities. Major theatre productions are now accessible for the price of a movie theatre ticket. Is this the great democratisation of the arts we have been waiting for? Or do the negative aspects of technology (lower royalties for musicians, fewer audience members for major theatre for example) just push the issues down the road? The answers to these are of course to be seen and cover an area broader than the sharp focus of this book.

 

 

Arts Leadership in Contemporary Contexts is an excellent compendium for arts administration students, new administrators, and seasoned professionals who may be looking to broader their perspective on leadership within the sector. Through cases, examples, theory, and analysis, Caust has given administrators a lot to think about as they innovate and lead arts organizations.

 

This book provides a rich background about contemporary arts leaders and artists and is a great resource for those new to arts administration and those looking to broader their perspective as they prepare for the next stage of growth.