4DLuvo'Art: An African Art Community Hub

Greetings, fellow project managers! 🤝

As project managers, we all know that the art of project management is much like curating a masterpiece. At the African Art Foundation, where I have the privilege of serving as a project manager, the canvas is a little different—it’s adorned with the beauty of African art and culture. However, when it comes to identifying stakeholders in project planning, the brushstrokes we use are universal

🧐 The Stakeholder Conundrum

Identifying stakeholders is the critical first step in laying the groundwork for a successful project. But how do we unravel the web of interests, relationships, and concerns that surround our projects? It’s akin to restoring an ancient painting, where layers of history and context must be carefully unveiled. For one to find their way around this conundrum, he or she would need to align purposes, interests, goals, priorities, etc. Expectations must be managed.

🌐 The Global Palette of Stakeholders

In our projects at the African Art Foundation, stakeholders come from all walks of life. From passionate art enthusiasts, local communities, and scholars, to philanthropists, government bodies, and international art organizations, our canvas spans the globe. And yet, this diversity is something all project managers can relate to. Your stakeholders, too, might have varied backgrounds and interests. Yet, these stakeholders must be identified; and to do so one must acknowledge, take cognizance of, and know their way around this palette.

🖋️ The Art of Identification

Here’s how we approach the identification of stakeholders at the African Art Foundation, and I believe these principles can be universally applied:

Start with a Blank Canvas: Begin with a clean slate, like a blank canvas. List all potential stakeholders, even those who may seem peripheral at first. This inclusive approach helps ensure no one is left out.
Sketching Out Influence and Interest: Just as an artist adds depth to their work, we categorize stakeholders based on their level of influence and interest. High-influence, high-interest stakeholders require our closest attention.
Mixed-Media Research: Dive into the world of your stakeholders. Research their needs, concerns, and aspirations. Like a painter exploring new techniques, understanding your stakeholders deepens your connection.
Engage in Open Dialogue: Communication is like the brush that adds colour to your canvas. Engage with stakeholders, seek their perspectives, and be open to their insights. It’s a collaborative process, much like art.

🗺️ An Ever-Evolving Mosaic

Just like African art, the stakeholder landscape is a vibrant mosaic. It evolves, with new stakeholders emerging and existing ones changing their colours over time. Therefore, we must continuously refresh our canvases.

🎨 Artistry of Inclusivity

In the realm of project management, there’s an artistry to inclusivity. The African Art Foundation believes that engaging stakeholders, weaving their ideas into our projects, and addressing their concerns, results in a richer tapestry. This, I’m certain, is a universal truth in project management. 🌐

📈 The Masterpiece in the Making

As project managers, we are entrusted with the creation of masterpieces in our own right. The canvas might change, and the subject may vary, but the fundamentals remain the same. Stakeholder identification is our first brushstroke in the creation of something beautiful and impactful.

🤝 The Journey Continues

So, my fellow project managers, as we navigate our own canvases, whether they are filled with African art or other projects, let’s remember that the art of identifying stakeholders unites us all. The canvas is wide, and the palette diverse, but the desire to create something extraordinary is universal.

Let’s continue to paint our own masterpieces, one project at a time, and make the world a more colourful place. 🎨

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey! 🙏

#ProjectManagement #StakeholderIdentification #AfricanArt #ArtOfInclusion #MasterpieceInProgress

An African Art Foundation Case Study:

Background

At the African Art Foundation, we are known for our innovation and our willingness to explore new horizons in technology. Our online endeavours were flourishing, and we yearned to translate this digital success into our everyday operations and services. The goal was to construct a robust, adaptable, and seamlessly integrated structure that would harmonize with our digital marketing initiatives. Yet, the reality check was swift – we found ourselves short on both the financial means and the workforce needed for such a grand vision.

As a small but fiercely dynamic team with under 20 members, we take pride in our nimbleness and creativity. Harnessing our agility, we adopted what we call “Guerrilla Marketing Strategies.” Our strategy was dual-fold, focusing on Academia and Industry (especially, freelance professionals art and multi-sector establishments). It’s in the pursuit of this strategy that ambiguity reared its head, a challenge we hadn’t foreseen.

Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels.com

Problem

Our project’s core was solid (building a network to champion our cause and stimulate growth); our goals were clear (developing an efficient, scalable system); and our strategy was somewhat mapped out (engaging with academia and industry). On the “Academia” front, things progressed relatively smoothly, but there were grey areas on how to execute it effectively. However, on the “Industry” side, the definition of ‘industry’ was a moving target – vague and undefined. As a result, our project’s scope became blurred, muddied by an array of conflicting but equally important stakeholders. This rapidly spiralled into a convoluted, complex, and confusing process, with ever-changing requirements and definitions, causing delays, conflicts, and mounting frustration. We were in a maze of uncertainty, the project’s outcome hanging in the balance.

On the academia side, there were relatively straightforward processes, still there was no clear strategy or “how to!” The ambiguity surrounding the definition and scope of stakeholders on the ‘Industry’ side presented a major challenge. It made it difficult to determine who the key stakeholders were and how to effectively engage with them. One of the specific challenges faced in executing the strategies in academia and industry is the ambiguity surrounding stakeholder identification. This challenge needed to be addressed to achieve the project’s goals.

Solution

Our response was to regroup, forming a diverse, cross-functional team that embraced a bold “10X” mentality – striving for moonshot objectives and resolving the ambiguity.

On the “Academia” front, we established grassroots connections using a network of zonal heads, academic liaisons, and student ambassadors. Simultaneously, for the “Industry” side, we painstakingly compiled a comprehensive stakeholder list, categorizing them by their levels of influence and interest e.g. high-influence, high-interest, etc.; and assigning values to each category. This approach has now become the bedrock of our Outreach Program (academia) and Partnership Alliance (Industry). To solve the workforce issue, we have initiated an internship in-take program that is fused with industrial training programs offered by institutions of higher learning and we intend to launch a residency program that will bring tremendous opportunities for young and up-and-coming artists where they can learn new skills, gain exposure, and grow wings to fly.

Outcome

The implementation of the cross-functional team’s whitepaper has had a profound impact on the strategic direction of the African Art Foundation, driving meaningful improvements across various aspects of our operations. Let’s delve into these transformative outcomes:

Streamlined Induction Process: Our commitment to nurturing a vibrant community starts from the very beginning. With the newly implemented strategies, we now boast a highly efficient induction process for new members and staff. This ensures everyone is well-acquainted with our values and goals right from the start, promoting a sense of belonging and purpose.
Increased Volunteer Engagement: We’re thrilled to report a remarkable upswing in our volunteer participation. In just the last month, our volunteer rate surged by nearly 20%, a testament to our enhanced appeal and the engaging opportunities we offer.
Expanding Customer Base: Our relentless pursuit of excellence has translated into a steady influx of new patrons. Day by day, our customer base continues to grow, indicating that our strategies are effectively resonating with art enthusiasts and supporters.
Revitalized Communications: The impact of well-structured and targeted strategies on our communication efforts cannot be overstated. In the art community, our messages are now better received, both online and offline. Impressions have surged by an impressive 50%, amplifying our reach and influence within the art world.
Strong Channel Partnership Alliance: Through meticulous planning and effective execution, our channel partnership alliance is now not just rich but incredibly well-structured. It lays the foundation for future growth and more dynamic collaborations, furthering our mission in the world of African art.
Reduced Cost of Capital: Our prudent financial strategies have led to a remarkable achievement. The cost of capital has been effectively reduced by over 10%, an essential financial milestone that empowers us to do more with less.
Optimized Outreach Program: Our commitment to the cause is now more evident than ever. The outreach program, closely aligned with our marketing plan, is fully realized and designed to fulfill the parameters set for expanding our footprint and enhancing our impact.

These outcomes demonstrate our dedication to making a tangible difference in the world of African art. The strategies implemented have not only addressed challenges but also created opportunities for growth and influence. As we move forward, our mission remains clear: to further the economic well-being, creative spirit, and collective will of African artists.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ambiguities that once posed significant roadblocks to our business service project have transformed into avenues for growth. Managed effectively, ambiguity serves as a wellspring of creativity, adaptability, and invaluable learning experiences. At the African Art Foundation, we understand that the path to success often involves navigating the uncertain and the undefined.