ELIA Leadership Symposium 2025The Power of Many

The 2025 edition of the ELIA Leadership Symposium asks: how can we harness the transformative power of collective intelligence? What are the essential elements that not only create community cohesion but also drive meaningful change?

Hosted by Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD – Genève, HES-SO) in Switzerland, the symposium brings together higher art education leaders, creative-thinking researchers, thought leaders on transformative leadership and alternative management models, economists, futurologists, and more. Together, we will examine the systems and processes needed to enable large groups of individuals to share their knowledge, data, and skills to solve complex problems as they navigate societal challenges. How can art education institutions become more than the sum of their parts? What skills are required to lead a crowd or movement with purpose? And what do we do if the system we operate within begins to crack?

In an era marked by societal fragmentation—fuelled by political upheaval, global conflicts, and the rapid evolution of AI technology—it can often feel as though our art schools, universities, and academies are challenged to lead their institutions through these rapid waves of change.

What to expect?

Through case study analysis, dialogue and collaboration with peers, this symposium will provide international leaders in higher arts education with practical tools and actionable insights to create thriving cultures of care and resilience. Learn strategies to tackle real-world issues such as increased governmental pressure, budget cuts, drops in enrolment, health and wellbeing of staff and students, student protests, global politics, and more.

Whether your leadership style is visionary, laissez-faire, empathetic, consensus-based, or something in between—the ELIA Leadership Symposium will equip you with the knowledge and foresight to bridge the gap between traditional hierarchical management and inclusive governance, ensuring a positive impact both within your institution and for future generations.

Find out more on their website: ELIA Leadership Symposium 2025: The Power of Many