FIRE WALK WITH ME - content
Concrete cases will serve as a starting point for collective reflection. All participants will be invited to contribute actively to the discussions, with the aim of developing and strengthening their vision of leadership.
Serial entrepreneur Karen Toftegaard takes a look at the fires that cultural organizations – large, medium and small scale go through these years. How do we take care of the creatives who consciously or unconsciously take risks and suddenly undergo a shitstorm? How do we navigate global conflicts with awareness and respect when cultural institutions easily become a battlefield for political agendas? How do we make safe working spaces for creatives no matter age, gender identity, class, origin, neurotype...
Fire can either completely exterminate or it can be a lifesaver that keeps you warm and brings you hot food and drinks. It all depends on how you are able to act with the fire – given your conditions and context.
For questions and conversations about what would match your context please do not hesitate to contact us.
FIRE WALK WITH ME - formats and track record
FORMATS
This can be delievered as an inspirational talk including reflection questions. It can also be facilitated as a workshop that highly involves the participants.
Output is awareness and often a feeling that you are not alone with the difficult challenges.
TARGET GROUP
Mainly for art leaders
TRACK RECORD
2024: FIRE WALK WITH ME began as a keynote talk at World Fringe Congress in Stockholm, Sweden, August 2024. In November 2024 it was further developed into an involving workshop at the performing artsmarket CINARS in Montreal. It is related to a talk in Danish I gave at ZEALAND Business academy - "DET TRYGGE RUM" (THE SAFE SPACE) - May 2024.
“We’ve known Karen for many years in her capacity as a cultural enabler who has made a significant impact on the Nordic culture scene, with frequent path crossings at industry events around the globe. When sourcing keynote speakers for the World Fringe Congress 2024 in Stockholm, Karen became an obvious choice as an inspirational talker for the global gathering of nearly 100 festival directors and theatre producers.
Karen’s keynote "FIRE WALK WITH ME" was well-received and thought-provoking. It triggered many much-needed discussions, and our global industry peers noted her presentation as of great value. ”
Adam Potrykus & Helena Bunker
Founding Directors, Stockholm Fringe Festival & Baltic Nordic Fringe Network
“Karen created a space where difficult discussions felt safe and natural from the start. While we often approach these topics intellectually, her facilitation allowed people to connect with what was truly at stake—on a deep, emotional, and down-to-earth level.”
Gilles Doré
Executive director, CINARS, Montreal