Systems change for Arts BC

Welcome Arts BC Board of directors.

This is our space to explore systems change together.

Why is it important for your board to learn about systems change?

We are at a pivotal moment in our sector. The colonial system that has been the backbone of the BC Arts ecosystem is shifting and is being pressured to transform.  As board members of Arts BC, your work is influential to this change. Understanding that you hold a position of privilege in the current system and that position can be used to leverage change is powerful.

It is also important to note that what is happening inside each one of us is reflected out into the wider system. It is our responsibility to understand decolonizing, equity and to always be learning and listening.

We will begin our work together from this place. 

A starting point

Here is a little worksheet for you, as we begin our time together

In an ideal world, I imagine each of you making yourself a cup of tea, printing out this worksheet, curling up in a cozy September corner, and letting your mind wander to answer the questions. There is something transformative about touching something tactile, instead of looking at a screen. If you do not have a way to print this out, then perhaps you can write your reflections in a journal or on paper. 

As you are doing this, imagine that all of your colleagues are doing it as well. Already, your one action is working with their small actions and making ripples.

Systems change 101

This is a huge topic and we all are approaching it with different degrees of understanding and perspectives. I offer this video as a primer. I will introduce some key concepts and language in the field of complexity thinking and systems change. My intention is that having common understandings we will be able to have deeper conversations when we meet on September 28th.

Here are some of the slides that I speak about in the video if you would like to look at them in a bigger format. These are just here for your reference as you watch you video, or if you would like to refer to them later

A mapping exercise

Welcome! For this exercise, please have a piece of paper and something to draw/ write with. You can get as creative as you want or keep it simple.

Designing for comfort vs Designing for progress

In this video we will explore notions of belonging and dismantling systems of oppression.

Gratitude and next steps

Thank you taking the time to work through these videos and questions. I am looking forward to meeting all of you in the first hour of your board meeting.

Please bring with you your notes, drawings and any questions/ ideas that you would like to discuss.

If you have any questions or concerns prior to that meeting please feel free to reach out to me.

carla@ruralinclusion.ca

Arts BC Board Meeting

Tuesday Sept 28th 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6705466815?pwd=dmlZbHJWSG9nNlc0S2xmejY3WHltdz09

Meeting ID: 670 546 6815

Passcode: 988672