Arts Leadership in Contemporary Contexts

This book explores and critiques different aspects of arts leadership within contemporary contexts. While this is an exploration of ways arts leadership is understood, interpreted and practiced, it is also an acknowledgement of a changing cultural and economic paradigm. Understanding the broader environment for the arts is therefore part of the leadership imperative. This book examines aspects such as individual versus collective leadership, gender, creativity and the influences of stakeholders and culture. While the book provides a theoretical and critical understanding of arts leadership, it also gives examples of arts leadership in practice.

"Arts Leadership in Contemporary Contexts is an invaluable new resource addressing the complex and multifaceted topic of arts leadership. I learned a lot, paused to reflect often, and marvelled at the depth and breadth of the research." --William J. Byrnes, Author of Management and the Arts, Emeritus Professor, Southern Utah University, USA"The ways in which art is created, distributed, enjoyed, critiqued and understood are all in a state of flux. Addressing contemporary debates and drawing on a wide range of sources and case studies, Jo Caust brings clarity and insight to the space where art and leadership meet. It's a great book!" --John Holden, Author of Valuing Culture and the Ecology of Culture, Visiting Professor, University of Leeds, United Kingdom"This book is unique in that it explains succinctly how the contexts of the arts are different and hence require special qualities from its leaders. Caust’s compelling insights on contexts and challenges faced by contemporary arts leaders are a must-read for aspiring arts leaders." --Professor Sun Man Tseng, Author of "Principles of Arts Management" (in Chinese) Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong"This perceptive and critical account of key issues facing arts leadership is a welcome addition to the literature. The focus on women in leadership, in particular, makes a valuable contribution to the broader discussion of contemporary attributes and dimensions of leadership." --Associate Professor Hilary Glow, Deakin University, Australia"Three things make this book an extraordinary addition to any Arts Administration, Arts Management, Arts Leadership library. As noted earlier, Caust is an excellent researcher. She developed twenty case studies, accessed hundreds of sources from around the

Josephine Caust is Principal Fellow in Arts and Cultural Management in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne, Australia.