How Can Networks Cultivate the Conditions for Young Creatives to Thrive?

As observers to the intersectional fields of culture, education, and social change, Creative Generation witnessed the chosen organizational structure of “networks” come into vogue – particularly as smaller, community-based organizations have begun to participate in larger-scale, collaborative initiatives. In almost all examples, the individuals and organizations involved do their collaborative work through a “network,” using any number of connections and patterns. This qualitative inquiry sought to understand how applying Network Theory to organizational structures can cultivate the conditions to support young creatives. Through literature and conducting interviews with leaders of diverse networks in the arts and cultural education fields, this project provides an overview of Network Theory and examines examples of various models. This report proposes the following set of provocations for the field to interrogate the use of Network Theory in their projects’ implementation: strong connections between the network and its participants, shared power among network leadership and participants, clear expectations about funding, and specific role for young creatives in decision-making.