The arts, culture and creative sector is by nature a source of innovation. A current focus for innovation is in creative sector governance. The kōrero in the sector is addressing the need for those involved in governance to provide strategic direction to their organisations around issues such as honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and equity and inclusion. In addition to these issues of content, there is interest in exploring how creative sector practices could be applied to governance.
Emerging thinking in the sector is reflected in this article on creative governance by independent director Caren Rangi, and in this Future Models of Creative Governance webinar, facilitated by Te Taumata CEO Alison Taylor, with Caren and Eynon Delamere.
In this article, Caren Rangi, who has extensive experience as an independent governor and who has facilitated governance conversations for Te Taumata, reviews what she is hearing and where she sees opportunities for creative sector governance innovation.
The online webinar on Future Models of Creative Governance with Caren Rangi and Eynon Delamere explored opportunities for innovation in governance in the arts, culture and creative sector. Facilitated by Alison Taylor, the webinar draws on Caren’s and Eynon’s experience of the factors that influence effective governance and their thoughts on ways in which creative processes can be applied in the governance process.
Some of the observations and ideas discussed by Caren and Eynon included:
The need to consider non-Western governance approaches. “To participate in governance currently, you have to work within the dominant paradigm.”
As the hui closed, Eynon referenced a whakatauki from Tā James Hēnare;
“Kua tawhiti kē to haerenga mai, kia kore e haere tonu. He nui rawa o mahi, kia kore e mahi tonu."
You have come to far not to go further; you have done too much not to do more.