ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the notion of the individual arts leader as well as artists themselves as leaders. It focuses on the essence of leadership. The chapter considers, then, in what ways artists are and can be considered leaders, and shows how leadership is exercised in the arts. The nature of art-making is often concerned with thinking outside of the square, seeing the world in a different way and interpreting experience or feelings in a unique manner. In an international study about the qualities required for cultural leadership, the respondents gave their top five ratings to: ability to communicate a vison, spirit of collaboration, strategic thinking, creativity and knowledge of the field in which the leader operates. Artists and arts leaders may be directly engaged with their arts practice, but in addition they may be engaged with an audience, an artform, a state and a society. Hence, the demands on individual arts leaders are challenging, complex and extensive.
