methodology

We believe that power sharing is an essential way of working. Inclusion offers agency to board members, staff, artists and community leaders alike. Our goal is to harness the collaborative spirit that exists in the arts and culture sector in every interaction with our client. Power hoarding is a strategy that does not allow for open communication or shared decision making. We strive to create a framework for shared power in the process, soliciting new ideas from a variety of internal and external sources. The best outcomes, like the best artistic work, comes from strong and equitable partnerships.

We are steeped in the practice of facilitating difficult conversations and dialogue around equity, diversity, inclusion, and access. We reflect the ideas we hear back to our clients and provide a framework for examination and rigorous interrogation. We empower organizations and their stakeholders to make their own decisions. We see ourselves as guides providing a map to the destination rather than the expert keepers of knowledge.

We believe that anything can be measured quantitatively or qualitatively. We work with organizations to determine how best to obtain and analyze the information about a candidate or an artistic program. We reject the myth that there is one path to success in the arts and culture sector for individuals or organizations. By thinking outside of the box and challenging organizations to innovate, we seek out solutions in nontraditional and unexpected places.

Organizations that value continuous learning and feedback are often successful over the long term. Constant improvement and reflection helps organizations to thrive and grow. We work with you to conduct a 360-degree view of your organization. Establishing the given circumstances or current state of the organization tells us more about the directions the organization can go, who is best to lead your team there and how to plan for the future.

We see assessment not as a separate post-project assessment exercise, but as a vehicle for continuous and ongoing learning about trends and patterns as they arise. Through honest discussion and regular feedback, we work with you to adjust our methods and tools throughout our process.