Educational and Inspirational Books on Strategy and Entrepreneurship in the Arts

“Connecting theoretical approaches to a rich series of entrepreneurial cases from Europe, North America and Asia, Varbanova has succeeded to shed new light on international entrepreneurship in the arts. The book offers a step-by-step approach on how to think and act internationally – from the domestic inception of a creative idea to its international expansion. Written in an engaging style, International Entrepreneurship in the Arts can be used as an educational tool or as a manual for start-up entrepreneurs. Informative and inspirational, it can also serve policy-makers and other stakeholders committed to catalyzing and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the arts.”

“Varbanova builds on her worldwide range of experience with arts and cultural organizations to provide a comprehensive view of international cultural entrepreneurship. In the context of intensifying global interconnectivity, Varbanova has created an important resource for students of arts management and leadership, cultural and creative economy, and cultural policy – as well as for creative entrepreneurs and innovators in the field! The book is a valuable and informative guide to all the ‘need to know’ aspects of creative entrepreneurship in contemporary times.”

“Emphasizing the intrapreneurial and analytical capacity, innovation and mobility of art organizations, all while honoring their diversity and basic values, Varbanova underlines the meaning of a strategic (collaborative) approach to management in a field that, still today, is quite dependent on its leaders’ values and ‘rules’. The book is an excellent methodological tool for teaching, exposing theoretical concepts combined with case studies, examples and concrete practical tips.”

Strategic Management in the Arts is a one-stop, comprehensive overview of the management structures and strategies needed by organizations in the art and culture sectors. Lidia Varbanova knows her management theory inside out, but the real strengths of this book lie in the range of cases explored here. Lidia has an insider’s view of the cultural sector, from large arts organizations through tiny music companies, and this background makes her book highly useful for others looking to work in the same field. Varbanova reaches across history and around the world for her examples, giving us what will certainly be the standard textbook on cultural sector management for many years to come.

“This is an insightful introduction to strategic management in the arts and culture. It challenges students and art managers, researchers and decision makers to apply elements of strategic management in the art world – well conceptualized, and inclusive of concrete examples and pragmatic suggestions. The author makes a good point in emphasizing that skills are a necessary component in strategic arts management. A crystal clear guide to arts management!”