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In recent years, a growing number of arts organizations have been exploring alternatives

to the single-executive-director model. Co-directors, joint executive-artistic models, and

collective governance structures are examples of how organizations are exploring new

ways of distributing power and decision-making. But before we evaluate whether these

models work, it's worth asking what we actually mean by "shared," and what we mean by

"governance" and "leadership" in the first place. This session steps back from the case

studies to explore the underlying concepts and to create space for honest conversation

about what these structures make possible, what they demand, and what gets harder

before it gets easier

Readings:

Facilitated by Constanza Mendoza, Terra Cotta Strategies

Constanza is a cultural organizer, facilitator, and mediator with over ten years of experience in strategy, community-engaged work, and impact.

Through Terra Cotta, Constanza designs and facilitates culturally responsive, collaborative, and inclusive consulting offerings to socially engaged art projects and organizations. Her mission is to help them build stronger management, strategy, and impact foundations while uncovering opportunities for transformational conversations.

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If you have any questions about this session, reach out to us at CulturalResources@cityofchicago.org.

Chicago Made supports Chicago’s creative community and directly connects emerging artists to the City of Chicago’s resources, opportunities, festivals, events and cultural programming. Visit ChicagoMade.US for other workshops and resources.