Partnerships in the Arts: Building Resilient Cultural Ecosystems
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Application Deadline: February 10, 2026
Program Dates: May 10 – 15, 2026
Overview
In today’s interconnected and resource-constrained world, arts and culture leaders must move beyond transactional relationships to build strategic partnerships that foster shared purpose and organizational resilience. This program, offered in partnership with the UK-based global Partnership Brokers Association, will enable participants to explore ethical partnering, interest holder alignment and strategies for long-term impact.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Banff Centre and the Partnership Brokers Association, which includes access to their resource materials and global Partnership Broker’s network.
Description
This six-day course equips participants to design and lead high-performing partnerships across public, private, non-profit and community sectors. Participants will explore the full partnership cycle—from scoping and brokering to sustaining outcomes and learn about the full spectrum of collaborative relationships. Topics include interest holder mapping, shared governance, resource sharing and navigating power dynamics.
Through hands-on workshops, peer exchange and real-world scenarios, participants will leave with a customized partnership strategy and the confidence to lead collaborative initiatives that are bold, inclusive and future-focused.
Program highlights
- The partnership spectrum: from cooperation to co-creation
- Principles of equitable and ethical partnering
- Tools for interest holder mapping, value alignment, and shared governance
- Strategies for resource sharing, joint storytelling, and collective outcomes
- Case studies of cross-sector partnerships in arts and culture
- Navigating power dynamics, risk, and accountability in complex collaborations
Requirements
This program is designed for arts, heritage and creative industries professionals working in organizations of any size and across all art forms, including visual arts, galleries, museums, theatre, dance, opera, film, music and literature.
It is well suited to:
- Administrators, managers and directors in arts and heritage organizations and creative industries
- Creative producers and consultants working with arts organizations
- Education and engagement specialists in these sectors
- Artists (Indigenous, Canadian and international)
- Community-based arts and heritage workers in urban and rural settings
Applicants working outside the arts, heritage and creative industries must demonstrate in their application how their work will benefit from this program.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Domestic and international applications are welcome.
Visa Eligibility Information:
- Please note that Banff Centre programs do not meet the eligibility requirements for a Canadian Student Visa.
- If you are accepted into our program, you must obtain a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Accepted participants are responsible for identifying and complying with the immigration requirements to enter Canada as a visitor from their country of origin. If you require a Visitor Visa please check the current expected processing times well in advance of applying.
For more information and to apply visit Partnerships in the Arts: Building Resilient Cultural Ecosystems | Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Participants from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
