Diversity and Inclusion : a mission-critical task for today’s arts managers

Abstract

The study aims to research core competences for arts managers, focusing on diversity and inclusion. It deals with the phenomena of cultural diversity and inclusivity about intercultural competences required for the arts managers working in the arts and cultural institutions of Helsinki, Finland, from the leaders’ point of view.

The purpose of the study is to give a more in-depth understanding of how current leaders of the arts institutions included in this study see which skill sets and competences are needed to address and operate in a culturally pluralistic society and question the need for a diverse workforce in the Finnish arts and cultural institutions.

The main research question is what competences, skills and new knowledge do arts managers need to acquire to address the needs of the Finnish society of today; and incorporate diversity and inclusion into daily work? The question was chosen based on the author’s interest in discussing why foreign-born artists and art professionals with diverse backgrounds are still often excluded from the decision-making structures.

The study consists of six chapters. The theoretical framework introduces the concepts of diversity and inclusion and other relevant concepts. This is a qualitative study that uses interviews for data collection. The study’s main limitations are the subjective nature of perceptions and opinions and the sensitivity of the topic at hand. Interviewees are guaranteed confidentiality and protection of their personal data.