Strategic Management in the Arts

Strategic Management in the Arts looks at the unique characteristics of organisations in the arts and culture sector and shows readers how to tailor a strategic plan to help these diverse organizations meet their objectives.

Strategic management is an essential element that drives an organisation’s success, yet many cultural organizations have yet to apply strategic thinking and entrepreneurial actions within the management function. Varbanova reviews the existing theories and models of strategic management and then relates these specifically to cultural organisations. Also included are sections on entrepreneurship and innovations in the arts, considering the concept of a ‘learning organisation’ – an organisation able to adapt its strategy within a constantly changing, complex environment. The book is structured to walk the reader through each element of the strategic plan systematically.

With a fresh approach, key questions, examples, international cases to connect theory with practice and suggestions for further reading, this book is designed to accompany classes on strategic planning, cultural management or arts management.

Lidia Varbanova has over 20 years of professional experience as a consultant, researcher and visiting professor in more than 50 countries. She provides professional services for government authorities, foundations, businesses, nonprofit organizations and networks in Canada and abroad. Her portfolio covers subjects as diverse as strategy, entrepreneurship, management, organisational development and change, application of online technologies in the management practice, sustainable development, with a special emphasis on (but not limited to) culture, arts, creative industries and the nonprofit sector. Lidia Varbanova is a faculty member of the Department of Management at John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, Canada.