Leadership of Inclusive and Sustainable Cultural Organisations: A Practical Guide

Leadership of Inclusive and Sustainable Cultural Organisations: A Practical Guide is the first book to provide guidance on how to lead cultural organisations that are inclusive, diverse and sustainable, and responsive to the public, their communities, their own staff and to popular movements.

The book’s seven parts cover the qualities and skills a leader needs, and practical advice on how to develop an organisation that is sustainable, inclusive and diverse. It covers the role of the governing body, how to create an organisation that is constantly learning and adapting, how to deal with political, public and financial pressures, and what external sources of support they can call on. Each chapter is devoted to a specific issue that might be encountered on the leadership journey and is extensively cross-referenced to other relevant chapters.

Including a list of helpful suggestions of useful and practical publications for further reading, Leadership of Inclusive and Sustainable Cultural Organisations is a unique guide to cultural leadership. This book is an essential resource for all cultural practitioners with a leadership role within an organisation or aspiring to such a role. It will also be instructive to students of cultural heritage management.

Piotr Bienkowski has over 40 years’ experience across the cultural sector, working in Europe and the Middle East. He was Professor of Archaeology and Museology at the University of Manchester, Director of Manchester Museum, and has developed inclusive practice with museums, galleries, science centres, the performing arts and community trusts. He now advises a wide range of cultural organisations as a consultant, working with them to embed inclusion and participation, and on organisational change and leadership at all levels.

Hilary McGowan works throughout the cultural sector. She helps organisations to improve their leadership and governance so they can thrive in the future. Her distinguished track record includes a background as an arts, museums and heritage director, and as a coach. Hilary established her own business 30 years ago and has worked with 250 different clients. As a Trustee of Bletchley Park she played a leading role in its transformation; she is now a Trustee of the Egypt Exploration Society.

They are the co-authors of Managing Change in Museums and Galleries: A Practical Guide (Routledge 2021).