“WHAT makes a good leader in the arts?” the Childers Group and the Cultural Facilities Corporation are asking.

It’s a hot question, one reflected in Currency House’s recent Platform Paper 40, “Take Me To Your Leader: The dilemma of cultural leadership“ by theatre director Wesley Enoch. The topic of leadership is on the lips of everyone involved in the arts, especially in these days of reduced funding and increased expectations. How exactly can a body go about finding, growing and keeping good arts leaders?

A half-day forum to be held on Monday, September 1, 2014 from 12 noon to 5pm at the Canberra Theatre Centre and Canberra Museum and Gallery will examine the question. But hurry, registrations close today.

Successful leadership, the Childers Group says, embodies all the right attributes – vision, motivation, inspiration, and sustainability—but how do you learn them?

Leadership is vital to the success of arts organisations in Canberra and the region,’ says the group’s David Williams.

The forum gathers together some of the best and brightest arts leaders to help us take on the task, including cultural leadership guru, David Fishel, director at Positive Solutions and BoardConnect, speakers from the Australia Council for the Arts, Creative Partnerships Australia and Lyn Wallis director of the Theatre Section of The Australia Council for the Arts, as well as local arts leaders including Daniel Ballantyne, Shane Breynard, Janine Collins, Julie Dyson, Harriet Elvin, Joseph Falsone, Ingeborg Hansen, Meredith Hinchliffe, Anne-Marie Schwirtlich, Allan Sko, Rosanna Stevens, Michael Tear, David Whitney and David Williams.

The Arts Leadership Forum aims to assist younger and newer administrators to become leaders, as well as supporting experienced managers to further enhance their skills. It will also provide opportunities for networking with speakers and peers.

A networking lunch, two plenary sessions and diverse breakout workshops will give the chance to share ideas and join in conversation with speakers and other participants helping shape the future of arts leadership in the ACT region.

The Arts Leadership Forum, Canberra Theatre Centre and Canberra Museum and Gallery noon to 5pm Monday, September 1. Bookings close today, eventbrite.com.au/e/arts-leadership-forum-tickets-12378276759 or 6207 3968.

Cost:$100 or $75   Independent arts practitioners & concession card holders