2026–2027 Season

Beyond Grants: Rethinking Money, Risk and Board Readiness in the Arts

Monday October 19, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (In Person)

Arts organizations have long relied on a familiar mix of grants, fundraising, and earned revenue. But as financial pressures grow and traditional funding models are stretched, what other possibilities might be available, and how can organizations explore them responsibly?

This session will take place at The Textile Museum of Canada

From Board Member to Fundraising Champion: Building a Culture of Shared Responsibility

Tuesday, December 8, 2026 @ 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. (Virtual) 

Fundraising is often treated as the responsibility of staff, or of the one board members who happens to know a potential donor. But sustainable fundraising requires something broader: an organization-wide culture in which staff, board members, and volunteers understand the role they can play in building relationships, telling the organization’s story, and inspiring others to invest in its work.

When Leadership Moves On: The Board’s Role in Succession Planning

Tuesday, January 26, 2027 @ 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. (Virtual) 

Leadership transitions can be defining moments for arts organizations. Whether an Executive Director is retiring, moving to a new opportunity, or departing unexpectedly, boards play a critical role in helping the organization navigate change with clarity, care, and continuity.

Living Case Study: Toronto Ward Museum

Monday, March 23, 2027 @ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (in person)

The Toronto Ward Museum has been trying to create a different governing model around a significant collection of oral histories and related digital assets. The previous steering committee sat somewhat outside the organization and had more authority over some assets than the museum itself. Concerns about safeguarding the collection, the Museum’s financial vulnerability, and maintaining a community-access ethos all contributed to that structure.

Spring Social

Monday, May 3, 2027 @ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (In Person)

The Spring Social is our final event of the season that will feature a closing keynote. The address will bring together the conversations explored throughout the CCN season, and challenge board members and arts leaders to think beyond oversight and ask more fundamental questions about the arts of good governance and organizational stewardship.