The dynamics of successful events – the experts' perspective

Abstract

Interviews with key leaders formed the basis of this exploratory research to elicit and identify the key factors that festival leaders perceive as the characteristics of creative and innovative festivals. The sample study was of composed of three key festival experts. This included two directors from two large festivals occurring at different times of the year in Edinburgh. Both directors have a well established leadership history in their respective festival. In addition one additional interviewee had responsibility for the strategic development of art events and festivals at a national level (2006). Repertory Grids were employed to identify key constructs that festival leaders hold of the arena in which they work. Six key areas emerge from the constructs identified. These are leadership, focus, relationship with the community, decision making, funding, and history of the festival. Leadership had the highest rating and the sub categories identified within this were independence, freedom and culture. Focus of the event and relationship with the community were, respectively, the next most highly rated constructs.