During the spring semester, as part of the master’s program in Arts Management, Society, and Creative Entrepreneurship at the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, Dr. Vidović led the course Sustainable Cultural Leadership. In March 2025, she conducted classes both via Zoom and in Helsinki.
The course provided students with a systematic introduction to cultural leadership and sustainability concepts, analyzed through three key dimensions—economic, social, and environmental—based on the principles of equity, belonging, and care. By exploring historical perspectives and relevant theoretical frameworks and emphasizing a holistic and cross-sectoral approach, students developed a deeper understanding of the complexities of leadership in culture and sustainability.
The course examined various types of cultural leadership, including traditional, relational, shared, collaborative, participatory, and feminist leadership, with a focus on equitable practices and participatory governance. It also explored the connection between culture and the ecological crisis, encouraging students to reflect on the role of culture in sustainable ecological transformation.
In addition to theoretical lectures and real-world examples, the course featured a range of interactive formats through which students critically examined and discussed various relevant aspects of the topic. They actively participated in discussions on required readings along with individual and group assignments. The final student presentations were based on group work and the analysis of sustainable practices – economic, social, and environmental – within selected cultural institutions and organizations operating in Helsinki.
