The Art of Management–Board Partnerships: Building Trust, Clarity, and Collaboration

Every strong theatre organization has one thing in common: a healthy, trusting partnership between its board and its staff leadership. But that balance, between governance and management, oversight and creativity, accountability and trust, can be as delicate.

In this session, we’ll explore the art and practice of effective staff–board relationships.

Together, we’ll unpack common tensions (decision-making, boundaries, communication) and learn strategies to turn friction into forward momentum. Through examples of Board of Director and Management problems, and scenario discussions, participants will gain a shared understanding of how to lead together with clarity and respect.

Whether you’re a board chair, artistic director, or executive leader, this session will help you strengthen your governance partnership so your organization can focus on what matters most — the work on stage and in community.

In this session you'll learn more about:

• Clarifying where governance ends and management begins, and what happens in the “grey zone.”
• Strategies for effective communication and decision-making between boards and staff.
• Identifying common pitfalls and how to prevent mistrust or micromanagement.
• Explore examples of how strong partnerships weather crises and transitions.
• Leave with tools to build trust, accountability, and alignment in their own organizations.

About the Presenters: 

Culture Works Canada

Culture Works Canada (CWC) is a registered national arts service organization with charitable status. Its Mission is to strengthen the Canadian cultural workforce by providing leadership and innovative solutions to human resource issues and to better the HR environment within the cultural sector.

Culture Works Canada provides research, training, solutions and resources to Canadian cultural industry and artistic discipline establishments (businesses and non-profit organizations), individuals (employers and workers) in Live Performing Arts; Writing and Publishing; Visuals Arts and Crafts; Film, Television and Broadcasting; Digital Media; Music and Sound Recording; and Heritage. CHRC also works on cross-sector issues such as Cultural Management, Career Management and Export Marketing. All of the above in both official languages.

Dr. Grégoire Gagnon (CWC Executive Director)

Dr. Grégoire Gagnon is a manager, pedagogue and musician fostering culture and promoting arts from the stage to the classroom and boardroom. Aside from being a lifelong academic and a real world problem solver, Grégoire is (among other things) currently the Execute Director of the Cultural Human Resources Council, the President of the Ottawa Guitar Society, and in all his roles, he strives to make others thrive.

Register at the link by end of day Thursday, November 27 to receive the zoom link for this session. 

Questions? Contact Program Manager, Patricia at patriciac@pact.ca.