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.

"Emphasizing the intrapreneurial and analytical capacity, innovation and mobility of art organizations, all while honoring their diversity and basic values, Varbanova underlines the meaning of a strategic (collaborative) approach to management in a field that, still today, is quite dependent on its leaders’ values and 'rules'. The book is an excellent methodological tool for teaching, exposing theoretical concepts combined with case studies, examples and concrete practical tips." - Dr Milena Dragićević Šešić, prof. UNESCO Chair in Cultural Policy and Management University of Arts, Belgrade, Serbia"This is an insightful introduction to strategic management in the arts and culture. It challenges students and art managers, researchers and decision makers to apply elements of strategic management in the art world - well conceptualized, and inclusive of concrete examples and pragmatic suggestions. The author makes a good point in emphasizing that skills are a necessary component in strategic arts management. A crystal clear guide to arts management!" - Professor Anita Kangas, University of Jyväskylä, Finland"Strategic Management in the Arts is a one-stop, comprehensive overview of the management structures and strategies needed by organizations in the art and culture sectors. Lidia Varbanova knows her management theory inside out, but the real strengths of this book lie in the range of cases explored here. Lidia has an insider's view of the cultural sector, from large arts organizations through tiny music companies, and this background makes her book highly useful for others looking to work in the same field. Varbanova reaches across history and around the world for her examples, giving us what will certainly be the standard textbook on cultural sector management for many years to come." - Dr. Will Straw, Director, McGill Institute for the Study of Canada

Lidia Varbanova is a faculty member in the department of management at Concordia University, Canada. She has extensive experience as a consultant and researcher, and has held visiting professorships in over fifty countries. She specializes in culture, arts, creative industries, and the nonprofit sector.