Increasing Resilience of Non-Profit Arts Organisations in the Context of Crises

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37522/aaav.120.2026.340

Keywords:

organizational resilience, non-profit organisations, art organisations, crises

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of organisational resilience, particularly for non-profit arts organisations, which were among the most affected sectors. This study aims to develop an empirically grounded model for strengthening the resilience of non-profit arts organisations. The research analyses theoretical aspects of organisational resilience, formulates a theoretical model, and empirically tests it. The study is based on a review of scientific literature and qualitative research methods, including semi-structured expert interviews and document analysis. The results indicate that both external factors and internal organisational characteristics play a significant role in strengthening resilience during crises. Non-profit arts organisations are influenced by political, economic, social, and cultural environments, as well as by relationships with stakeholders and audiences. The findings show that resilience is supported by empowering leadership, organisational agility, continuous learning, environmental monitoring, a clearly articulated mission, balanced organisational structures, effective communication, and employee motivation.

Author Biographies

Gustas Navickas, Vilnius University, Kaunas Faculty

holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Arts Management, both from Vilnius University. In 2023, he defended his Master’s thesis entitled Increasing Resilience of Non-Profit Arts Organisations in the Context of Crises. During his studies, he actively participated in academic conferences, presenting his research findings. He currently works in the programme Kurk Lietuvai and has practical experience in organising and managing cultural events, including fashion festivals and contemporary art and music festivals. His professional interests focus on the cultural and creative industries, project management, and strengthening the resilience of non-profit arts organisations.

Dovilė Balevičienė, Vilnius University, Kaunas Faculty

PhD, is an Associate Professor in the field of Social Sciences (Management) at the Kaunas Faculty of Vilnius University. She defended her doctoral dissertation in 2021, entitled Relation Between Cultural Diversity Management and Organisational Innovativeness. She holds a Master’s degree in Project Management from Kaunas University of Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Management from Vilnius University. Her research focuses on cultural diversity, arts management, social media management, and project management. She is the author of numerous scholarly publications in the field of social sciences and actively contributes to international cooperation as a researcher and administrative director of several Erasmus+ KA2 projects at Vilnius University. In recognition of her teaching and academic achievements, she was awarded the title of Lecturer of the Year at Vilnius University in 2018.

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Published

31/03/2026

How to Cite

Navickas, G., & Balevičienė, D. (2026). Increasing Resilience of Non-Profit Arts Organisations in the Context of Crises. Acta Academiae Artium Vilnensis, (120), 41–66. https://doi.org/10.37522/aaav.120.2026.340