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Governance Hub

Resources supporting better practice governance in arts and culture.

Creative Australia invests in artists, creative workers and, arts and cultural organisations to foster effective governance that reflects the needs, aspirations and diversity of our communities. Through training, mentorships, networks and dialogue we support skills development, supportive networks and better practice governance.

Use our new Governance Hub to find resources, support and opportunities to help you and your organisation create and sustain effective, meaningful governance practices. Here you can find arts and cultural sector specific guides, templates, case studies and conversations, or explore more in Additional resources and Support. 

Guides

In consultation with the sector we have developed a series of guides to developing policies that support effective, efficient and inclusive governance practices. Click the headings to download each guide (PDF file). 

Developing Governance Policies and Procedures

PDF · 126.16 KB
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Board Recruitment and Induction

PDF · 108.25 KB
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Using the Board Skills and Diversity Matrix Template

PDF · 118.51 KB
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Risk Management Frameworks

PDF · 128.93 KB
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Developing a Board Review and Evaluation Policy

PDF · 148.13 KB
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Board and Organisation Succession Planning

PDF · 126.78 KB
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Developing a Cyber and Data Security Policy

PDF · 127.3 KB
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Developing an Ethical Decision-Making Policy

PDF · 135.31 KB
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Developing a Climate Change Policy

PDF · 125.95 KB
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Templates

Template policies provide a starting point for adapting policies to your own unique context. Click the headings to view each template (Word or Excel files). 

Skills and Diversity Matrix template

Excel spreadsheet · 109.96 KB
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Board Evaluation Policy

Word document · 55.14 KB
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Board Survey

Word document · 58.71 KB
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Climate change policy

Word document · 59.24 KB
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Cyber and data security policy

Word document · 60.73 KB
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Ethical decision-making policy

Word document · 65.19 KB
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Handover checklist for outgoing CEO

Word document · 56.51 KB
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Leadership transition and succession policy

Word document · 58.42 KB
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Peer evaluation

Word document · 58.34 KB
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Case studies

Explore real world examples of how arts and cultural organisations are supporting diversity, succession planning and fit-for-purpose governance models in practice.  

Engaging Young People in Governance at Corrugated Iron Youth Arts

Corrugated Iron has a robust long-standing model for integrating the invaluable contributions of young community members into its governance practices.

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Beyond diversity demographics at Outer Urban Projects

Outer Urban Projects journey to address diversity within its governance model reflects a thoughtful, proactive and responsive strategy.

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Intersectional diversity in governance at 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art

For 4A, diversity is business-as-usual, with a mission that champions the practices of Asian artists and elevates cross-cultural dialogues between Australia and Asia.

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First Nations Governance at Magabala Books

Magabala Books’ approach to governance emphasises First Nations control, transparency and consensus decision-making.

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Looking to the Future – Succession Planning at Restless Dance Theatre

Restless recently undertook an internal assessment and transformation process, including succession planning which they refer to as ‘human resource planning’.

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Navigating and welcoming new leadership at Australian Dance Theatre

ADT recently underwent a transformative process, including significant changes in its board and artistic leadership.

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Setting the Groundwork: AMaGA’s Approach to Succession Planning

AMaGA’s National Council (the equivalent of AMaGA’s board) recently experienced significant generational change in the governance of the organisation.

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Reports, research and resources

Explore our research on governance in arts and cultural organisations, along with guidance for best practice. Some of these documents include references to Australia Council for the Arts, now renamed Creative Australia. 

On this page
Logo Creative Australia

We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.

We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations Peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions.

We are privileged to gather on this Country and through this website to share knowledge, culture and art now, and with future generations.

First Nations Peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have died.

Image alt text

We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.

We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways, and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions. We are privileged to gather on this Country and to share knowledge, culture and art, now and with future generations.

Art by Jordan Lovegrove