A Transformative Practice for Creative Leaders

In an era where creativity is currency and leadership requires more than just vision, the Resource Circle emerges as a powerful practice for those at the helm of creative industries. Whether you're an artist, an entrepreneur, or a cultural leader, holding a Resource Circle offers a profound way to connect, support, and grow alongside your community.

What is a Resource Circle?

A Resource Circle is a structured yet fluid gathering where creative leaders and community members come together to share knowledge, skills, and opportunities in a reciprocal exchange. Rooted in principles of mutual aid, wisdom-sharing, and collective re-imagining, the practice draws from indigenous and cooperative traditions that prioritize interdependence over competition.

Unlike a typical networking event or brainstorming session, a Resource Circle is about offering before asking—centering generosity and trust as the foundation for collaboration.

Why Resource Circles Matter for Creative Leaders

1. Building a Culture of Generosity

Creative leadership thrives not on hoarding resources but on circulating them. When leaders facilitate spaces where artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and cultural workers can openly share their skills and knowledge, they amplify abundance rather than reinforce scarcity.

A well-structured Resource Circle fosters an ecosystem of giving, where each participant contributes insights, connections, or tangible assets (such as studio space, grant opportunities, or industry contacts). Over time, this culture of generosity strengthens both individual and collective resilience.

2. Deepening Community Connection

For creative leaders, authentic community engagement is key to sustainable impact. A Resource Circle shifts the dynamic from transactional networking to relational exchange, helping leaders form deeper bonds with their communities.

By holding space for honest conversations, participants are encouraged to listen deeply, recognize shared struggles, and collaborate on solutions. This practice reinforces a sense of collective belonging, essential for cultural and social movements driven by the arts.

3. Activating Hidden Resources

Many creatives operate in silos, unaware of the untapped wealth within their own circles. A Resource Circle reveals hidden resources—skills, tools, funding sources, and knowledge that might otherwise remain invisible.

For example, a filmmaker struggling with distribution may discover that someone in their circle has grant-writing expertise or access to an international film festival network. By surfacing these latent resources, the circle becomes an incubator for unexpected partnerships and synergistic collaborations.

4. Modeling Alternative Leadership

Traditional leadership models often emphasize top-down decision-making and individual authority. A Resource Circle embodies a horizontal, participatory approach where leadership is distributed and dynamic.

By holding space rather than taking space, creative leaders demonstrate an alternative model—one rooted in facilitation, empowerment, and co-creation. This is particularly impactful in creative industries, where hierarchical power structures often stifle innovation and where diverse voices need room to be heard.

5. Strengthening Collective Resilience

In an uncertain economic landscape, resilience is not an individual trait—it’s a community capacity. Resource Circles provide a safety net for creatives navigating financial instability, industry shifts, and systemic barriers.

When leaders hold regular Resource Circles, they build a support infrastructure that outlasts any one project or crisis. These gatherings become sites of knowledge transfer, emotional support, and reimagining, ensuring that no one has to face challenges alone.

How to Hold a Resource Circle

1. Define the Purpose – Is the circle for artists seeking funding? A space for entrepreneurs to exchange business insights? A cross-disciplinary gathering? Clarity of purpose sets the tone.
2. Invite with Intention – Bring together various perspectives and voices. Mix experienced professionals with emerging talent.
3. Start with Generosity – Ask participants: What do you have to offer? before What do you need? This shifts the mindset from scarcity to abundance.
4. Document and Activate – Capture the insights and commitments made in the circle. Follow up with resources and action steps to keep the momentum going.

Final Thoughts

Resource Circles are more than just gatherings—they are a practice of radical generosity, listening with intention, and building a community of care. In a world that often prioritizes competition, they remind us that we rise by lifting each other.

For creative leaders looking to build stronger, more connected communities, the Resource Circle is not just a tool—it’s a philosophy. One that challenges the myth of the lone genius and replaces it with the power of collective intelligence.

Our Creative Leadership students hone their facilitation skills through this practice taught by the ever-compassionate facilitator and contributor, Molly Sturges. Curious to learn more about the impact of Resource Circles? Contact us.