• Part of the answer to that question lies in the arts and culture understanding the role it can have in a time of collapse or crisis, and to understand that itself is not in crisis. I think that's a big point because we hear a lot right now around the crisis that is happening in cultural institutions and in the arts. And in fact, the crisis that is happening is in our world, right? It's an ecological crisis, it's a world order crisis, it's a humanitarian crisis. The arts themselves have a lot to contribute to these moments in terms of meaning, belonging, helping us to process those crises. But the arts themselves are not in a crisis. What we can do, though, is place ourselves within those larger crises and ask the question, what can we contribute that's of meaning and value to people as they experience these other things that are really significant in the world that we're living in right now.

My conversation with consultant and strategist in public policy, arts, culture and creative industries, Kelly Wilhelm, who currently leads the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University in Tkaronto. Kelly is a long-time friend and colleague with whom I have had many passionate conversations about art, culture, leadership, life and how to have fun through it all. This conversation was no exception.  We talked a lot about precarity in the arts sector but also its resilience. You’ll hear me refer to Kelly’s A New Project on Precarity and Sustainability article in the recording.  I love the way Kelly always finds a way to ask good and timely questions.

Episode notes generated by Whisper Transcribe AI

Action points

• Challenge traditional leadership models in arts organizations to foster inclusivity and relevance.
• Advocate for the arts and culture in broader public policy discussions, including areas like AI.
• Examine the financial conditions and precarity affecting individual artists and creators.
• Re-evaluate the not-for-profit model in the arts to identify sustainable governance structures.
• Promote collaboration between arts organizations and other sectors to contribute to democratic processes and public good.

Story Preview

What if the arts aren’t in crisis, but are actually a crucial part of the solution to global challenges? Kelly Wilhelm challenges conventional thinking and inspires us to reimagine the role of cultural institutions in today’s world. This episode dives into leadership, equity, and the resilience of the arts sector. 

Chapter Summary

00:00 The Role of Arts in Crisis
01:16 A Conversation with Kelly Wilhelm
02:25 Connecting Cultural Institutions to Communities
04:53 The Changing Role of Cultural Institutions
06:08 Rethinking Leadership in the Arts
08:51 The Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University
10:51 Addressing Precarity in the Arts Sector

Featured Quotes

• The arts themselves have a lot to contribute to these moments in terms of meaning, belonging, helping us to process those crises.
• We need to be much more flexible in how we think about structure and how we think about how we deliver that meaning.
• How do we ensure that these institutions are led, that they… are reflective and meaningful to the people that they are there to serve.

Behind the Story

Kelly Wilhelm’s journey began with a concern about the disconnect between cultural institutions and the communities they serve. Beginning her career in Toronto in the late 1990s, Kelly saw the contrast between the work show and stories told in public art galleries and museums, and the diverse communities outside their doors. She became determined to bridge this gap. Her work at the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD University is an example of her commitment to equity, relevance, and the power of the arts to create meaningful change.

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END NOTES FOR ALL EPISODES

Hey conscient listeners, 

I’ve been producing the conscient podcast as a learning and unlearning journey since May 2020 on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory (Ottawa). 

It’s my way to give back.

In parallel with the production of the conscient podcast and its francophone counterpart, balado conscient, I I publish free ‘a calm presence' Substack see https://acalmpresence.substack.com.

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I am grateful and accountable to the earth and the human labour that provided me with the privilege of producing this podcast, including the toxic materials and extractive processes behind the computers, recorders, transportation systems and infrastructure that made this production possible. 

Claude Schryer

Latest update on July 8, 2025