Charting the future of performing arts leadership at ISPA’s 2025 Congress
As the performing arts stands at a pivotal crossroads, the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) is poised to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges head-on at its 2025 New York Congress, themed “Leading with Creativity”. Set against a backdrop of global crises, shifting cultural landscapes and rapid technological advancements, this event promises not only to reflect on lessons learned but also to chart bold new paths for leadership in the performing arts
“During the past few years, many organisations have been focusing on the pandemic and its aftermath,” explains David Baile, ISPA’s Chief Executive Officer. “For 2025, we wanted to start the process of saying, ‘Okay, we’re here. Let’s look forward, let’s look to the future and address the myriad of issues impacting our work.'” Naturally, this year’s congress aims to explore creative solutions to a range of pressing issues, from the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) to global conflicts, social divisions and the climate crisis.
A new era of leadership
Leadership will be front and centre at the 2025 congress, as delegates dive into innovative models that reflect the evolving needs of the performing arts sector. According to Baile, the pandemic accelerated a generational shift in leadership, dramatically reshaping the landscape. “When I look around the room, who was there then and who’s there now, it’s almost unrecognisable,” he notes. “A lot of them have just retired or moved on, and I think that was exacerbated by the pandemic.”
This shift presents both challenges and opportunities. Traditional hierarchical leadership structures are increasingly giving way to more collaborative and inclusive approaches,
Baile explains. Indigenous leadership frameworks, which emphasise shared responsibility and community input, are among the alternative models gaining traction. Additionally, the congress will spotlight co-curation and multi-curation practices that bring diverse voices into the decision-making process, a move that promises to enrich the creative output of arts organisations globally.
Beyond structure, the congress will also address the broader context in which leadership now operates. Global conflicts, shifting workplace dynamics and debates around equity and inclusion all demand adaptive and empathetic leadership. Dedicated breakout sessions will provide attendees with the tools to navigate these challenges. As Baile highlights, “Whether that’s balancing remote work amongst your team or integrating equity and inclusion into your workplace, all of the ethos around workplaces is in a major dynamic shift. What’s interesting is that this isn’t isolated to a region—it’s happening everywhere.”
Innovation and technology: Exploring AI’s potential
The integration of technology, particularly AI, will be another key focus. While AI offers exciting opportunities for creativity and efficiency, it also raises significant ethical and systemic concerns. “We’re looking at systemic issues around AI and how it’s being rolled out,” Baile says. “While some view it as the next form of colonisation, we’re also exploring how it can help and how artists are using it in interesting ways.”
Discussions on AI will extend beyond theoretical debates to include practical applications in the arts. Artists who have embraced AI as a creative tool will share their experiences, highlighting both the benefits and the potential pitfalls. This balanced approach aims to equip delegates with a nuanced understanding of AI’s role in shaping the future of the performing arts.
Breaking new ground with provocations
In a departure from traditional formats, this year’s congress will replace keynote speeches with daily provocations. These thought-provoking sessions are designed to spark dialogue and challenge conventional thinking. Mariko Silver, the new President & CEO of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, will open the series, setting the tone for forward-thinking discussions. On subsequent days, Romina Muñoz Procel, Ecuador’s Minister of Culture, will share insights from South America, while Alex Sarian, President and CEO of Arts Commons in Canada, will close the series, ensuring a diverse range of global perspectives are represented.
Baile is particularly enthusiastic about this format. “The provocations are an exciting way to frame the discussions,” he says. “They allow for a deeper exploration of ideas and encourage participants to engage critically with the themes.”
Fostering connection and community
A hallmark of the 2025 Congress will be its emphasis on connection and community. With 410 delegates already registered from 48 countries—a 20% increase from last year—the event is on track to welcome around 500 participants from approximately 50 nations. This global representation is crucial for fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
The fellowship programme further underscores ISPA’s commitment to diversity, with 56 fellows hailing from countries as varied as Rwanda, Germany and Taiwan. Equally significant is the growing participation of independent producers, who Baile describes as “a really important subset of our membership.” Recognising their vital role in the sector, ISPA has partnered with the Creative Independent Producers Association to facilitate attendance at member rates, ensuring these voices contribute to shaping the future of the performing arts.
To enhance networking opportunities, the congress will feature intimate engagement formats, including the popular Coffee Klatch gatherings and breakout sessions. “We’re providing more opportunities for more intimate engagement,” Baile notes. “This allows people to be in smaller groups and have meaningful conversations.”
Success and advice for first-time delegates
For Baile, the true measure of success lies in the connections and collaborations that emerge from the congress. “If there’s a really warm vibe of people connecting, that’s a successful congress,” he explains. “People do work here, but ultimately a lot of the work happens after the congress, and this is sort of the seed for those collaborations.”
His advice for first-time delegates is simple yet powerful: “Talk!” While acknowledging that entering a room of 500 people can be intimidating, he emphasises that everyone is there to connect. “Put yourself out there.” This emphasis on active participation and engagement is central to the congress’s ethos, reinforcing the idea that meaningful connections are the foundation of progress in the performing arts.
Building a creative future
As the performing arts sector navigates an increasingly complex world, ISPA’s 2025 Congress promises to be a critical gathering for industry leaders seeking solutions. By fostering creative leadership and meaningful connection, the event aims to
equip participants with the insights needed to thrive in this dynamic landscape.
“2025 feels like a new base year,” Baile reflects. “It’s a jumping-off point for what comes next.” With its ambitious agenda and commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration, “Leading with Creativity” promises to be more than just a theme—it’s a call to action for the future of the performing arts.
ISPA’s 2025 Congress: Leading with Creativity takes place in New York between 14 and 16 of January 2025. To discover more and to register, visit ispa.org/page/congress_ny25
