culture
transforms
communities

a bracket framing the title of the website

Create positive change

in your community.

Cultural Futures helps small and medium-sized cultural institutions with strategic plans that prioritize inclusion, diversity equity, and accessibility (IDEA).

We believe IDEA is the vital key for creating stronger organizations and communities. Our strategies cultivate the relationships and resources needed to inspire creativity, strengthen connections, and create inclusive and accessible spaces where people feel valued and find a sense of belonging and community.

We specialize in empowering cultural organizations to transform how they relate and interact with their communities.

By reimagining these connections, organizations can enrich and strengthen the communities they serve, co-creating opportunities that advance shared values, encourage partnerships and resource sharing and prioritize building community connections.

Our strategic plans are the critical catalysts needed for sparking community change.

A group of people sitting around at during a planning exercise, with one person at the white board at the front of the room.

Our Cultural
Planning Services

Cultural Futures works with arts, culture and heritage organizations to lead transformative community change with planning initiatives which prioritize inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility, including:

Strategic Planning
Visitor Experiences
Placemaking and Cultural Planning
Digital Transformation

Learn more

A photo of the historic Empress theatre facade with the rest of main street Fort Macleod in the background.

Our Civic
Planning Services

Cultural Futures is also passionate about working with small and medium-sized communities on a range of civic planning iniatives where inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility are prioritized, including:

cultural and heritage strategies
arts, culture and/or heritage districts planning
neighbourhood renewal strategies
transformational placemaking strategies.

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How we approach client projects.

Cultural Futures employs a four-step approach for each project. Our initial assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of the project and its context, forming a strong basis for strategic planning. After delivering the finalized plan, we support our clients through the first year of implementation with continuous coaching, mentoring and monitoring to ensure the plan is implemented and its results evaluated effectively for sustained success. We’re here to support you.
Audit for Readiness

Cultural Futures performs a thorough audit to evaluate existing practices, pinpoint deficiencies, and grasp the organizational culture.
This phase offers an in-depth baseline analysis of the organization's operations, programs, services, collections (where applicable), and governance. We will also explore the organization's engagement with its audience, members, donors, and key stakeholders. Our goal is to grasp what the community appreciates about your organization and what truly defines the brand of the organization.
Planning and Development

Cultural Futures collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders, including community members, donors, and partners, to develop strategic plans that embody community values and diverse narratives. We invite active participation to co-create an organization that stays relevant and engaged with its community.
Through comprehensive community research and collaboration with local leaders, we align our strategies with sector trends, government and funder priorities, and the cultural rights of local Indigenous Peoples.
Implementation, Training and Mentorship

Cultural Futures supports the execution of strategic plans through hands-on implementation, tailored training programs, and ongoing mentorship. This phase ensures staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to sustain inclusive practices and drive meaningful change.
Monitor, Evaluate and Report

Continuous monitoring and evaluating tracks progress, measures impact, and identifies areas for improvement. This ensures that the strategic plan remains effective, sustainable, and aligned with organizational goals.
Cultural Futures also can assist with the preparation of report documents, such as Annual Reports and presentations.

How we approach

creating solutions.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cultural institutions, there's a growing recognition of the need for museums to adapt and innovate to remain relevant in today's society.

The Social Museum approach offers a revolutionary framework for cultural non-profit organizations striving for inclusivity and equity. By embracing the principles of the Social Museum, cultural non-profits can lead the way in not only reflecting their community’s diversity but also in enhancing the well-being of those they serve.

Download your copy to learn more about how we do this.