Pilot Institutions in Change development program for cultural institutions from the region

Institutions in Change
development program within the Culture of Change

Institutions in Change is a program for local government cultural institutions that want to pause for a moment, take a look at themselves, their environment, and their relationships with the local community and the organizer. It is an offer for those who want to consciously plan change and development based on real experiences, rather than ready-made schemes.

The program is process-oriented. Participants become researchers of their own institution and its context. We work with practical diagnostic tools that help to better understand the situation, strengthen the sense of agency, reflectiveness, and the impact of teams on the direction of change.

How does the program work?

The Institutions in Change program is spread out over time and is based on teamwork, discussion, and reflection. It leads step by step from diagnosis to strategic planning. It consists of two complementary parts: diagnostic and research, and strategic.

Diagnostic and research part (March to June 2026)

In this part, we work with institutions selected during the recruitment process to gain a better understanding of their daily functioning. We treat cultural animation as a way of exploring oneself, the team, the place, and relationships with the environment.

This approach:

• is based on commitment and joint reflection,
• assumes that everyone can examine their own reality,
• accepts the variability and uncertainty of the process,
• strengthens responsibility and agency in implementing change.

Participants conduct diagnoses in their institutions and local communities. Where there is readiness to do so, we also look at relations with the organizer and local government to better understand the systemic conditions of the institution’s operations.

In our work, we use innovative research and animation tools, including the “Toolkit” by Maja Dobiasz-Krysiak (Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń), with whom we plan to collaborate on content.

Strategic part (September to November 2026)
The second part of the program is based on the conclusions of the diagnoses carried out. This is the moment of transition from research to action planning.
Participants will jointly:

• set priorities,
• define the directions for the institution’s development,
• organize roles, goals, and areas of responsibility,
• work on mini-strategies tailored to the local context.

This stage is carried out with the mentoring support of WOAK and in dialogue with the management, the team, and, where possible, the organizer.

What is important in this program?

• Diagnostic tools strengthen the sense of influence and responsibility for change.
• The process strengthens people, relationships, and systemic thinking.
• The program creates the seeds of a support network and future mentors—those who complete the entire cycle will be able to accompany subsequent teams in future editions.

Institutions in Change is a proposal for those who are not looking for ready-made solutions, but want to better understand reality and consciously contribute to shaping it.

Applications for the program

There are two ways to apply to participate in the Institutions in Change program:

1. directly during January information and networking meetings in the region: https://woak.pl/wydarzenie/kultura-zmiany-ruszamy-w-region-zapraszamy-na-styczniowe-spotkania/
2. by completing the application form: https://forms.gle/6Xy25EqykvtWZp1S7

Applications will be accepted until February 19, 2026 (inclusive). An in-depth survey will be sent to all interested institutions, on the basis of which several institutions will be selected to participate in the pilot program. We will announce the results of the recruitment process by March 27, 2026.

The first joint activity for pilot program participants will be a training session inaugurating the program, which will take place on April 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Provincial Center for Cultural Animation in Toruń, ul. Kościuszki 75-77, 5th floor, room 407. The training will be conducted by Dr. Maja Dobiasz-Krysiak. After the training, participants will begin research activities, which will last until mid-June.

On June 18, 2026, a joint summary of the research process and an exchange of reflections are planned during the event: Thursday Breakfast | Can we act differently? Diagnosis as an animation activity from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Provincial Center for Cultural Animation in Toruń, 75-77 Kościuszki Street, 5th floor, room 407.