Democratic Practice
What We Do
Obvious Agency works with arts and culture organizations to create workplaces where power, information, and money are more equitably shared. When staff at all levels of a team feel a sense of ownership over the whole, we create stronger and more resilient cultural institutions that put people over profit, and that make better and more impactful art.
Why This Work is Important
A new generation of leaders is rising in the cultural sector and they know that deeper systemic change is critical for our survival and wellbeing. DEI initiatives might have been a start, but they never addressed the power imbalances that were at the root of our problems, and many of them left people in positions of leadership without the necessary resources to do their work.
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Expecting just one person, or even a small group of people, to be fully responsible for the well being of an entire workplace is unsustainable.
Democratic workplace practices are a practical and tested way of sharing power, responsibility, and accountability regardless of if your organization is hierarchical, flat, or somewhere in between.
See Us Work
Session panelist and host for Howlround TV, 2024
Services Offered
Workshops
We offer educational and skills building workshops for individuals, teams, conferences, and convenings of all sorts. Our workshops utilize a popular education pedagogy to create workshops that are playful, engaging, and practical, while building on the wisdom that is already in the room.
Examples of workshops we can offer include:
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Breaking Down Decision Making
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An Introduction to Workplace Democracy
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Giving and Receiving Feedback
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Navigating Generative Conflict
Facilitation
There is so much to consider when it’s time to come together to have the big and challenging conversations. From staff retreats to longer group processes, our experienced facilitators can make sure your team is having generative, engaging, and accessible conversations. All you need to do is show-up and be brilliant.
Technical Assistance
Oftentimes the things we care the most about get sidelined by the looming urgent tasks. In certain instances we can provide you with direct support, taking on the labor of creating new policies and practices that will help your team flourish.
Consulting
If you are navigating acute or ongoing challenges around power, decision making, or workplace policies, we can provide you with ongoing accompaniment. As partners, we’ll work together closely to help bring your workplace practices into better alignment with your values and needs.
Coaching
Learning never ends, even when we find ourselves in positions of leadership and power. If you are looking for a comrade to support your growth and accountability with care and rigor, coaching services might be right for you.
Past Collaborations and Testimonials
Our staff have worked with a range of clients in the cultural sector to support organizations, initiatives, and arts workers of all stripes.
IndieSpace
Randi Barry, Executive Director
“We had a really supportive and streamlined experience working with Obvious Agency. They listened to where we are at as an organization, gave excellent advice and feedback and then built a process that would push us while honoring the set up and structure of our organization. It was great!”
Flying Leap Productions
Jess Kaufman, Producing Artistic Director
“Our sessions with [Obvious Agency] were kind and clarifying – the tools they brought in were tailored to where our team is in our growth, and immediately actionable. [...] It was also incredibly validating to hear that this is hard and complicated [...] As the founder/ED, I didn't know how much that was something I needed to hear, and it's had a huge impact on my confidence and leadership.”
Pricing
Hourly Rate - $150 - $250 per hour per facilitator
For in-person work that does not involve significant travel, or for digital or in-person work under 3 hours per-meeting. Hours billed include prep and follow-up.
Day Rate - $1,500 - $2,500 per facilitator
For in-person work that involves significant travel, or for digital or in-person work longer than 3 hours per-meeting. Includes 5 hours of prep and follow-up, with additional hours charged at our hourly rate. Travel, lodging, and per diem expenses are billed separately.
Navigating the Sliding Scale
For our hourly and day rate, we ask that clients pay at the highest end of the scale that they are able to, in order to help subsidize our work with clients who can afford less. If cost is a barrier to working with us, please reach out and let us know, we may be able to offer you a modified scope of work or a discounted rate for certain aligned groups.