Matthew B. Cullen
Investing In a Process Focused Practice
"What We Pay Attention To Grows"
The Groundwork
Process Focused
Practice
"There will almost always be a product at the end of the process. Theatre is a business and like any business, it needs a product to operate #lovecapitalism. So, I'm never too centered on product because I know it's inevitable.
I chose to put my focus on the process because theatre is intrinsically about, by, and for people. So, if we invest in process, it means we're investing in people. If we're investing in people, the one's ultimately forming the product, wouldn't it make sense that our product will consequently reflect that investment?"
MBC's Value's
Think of each of these values as an umbrella encompassing all the little things that come together to create a community that centers the nurturing of people.
Care
Technique
Curiosity
Radical Communication
Generosity
Courage
A Framework for Accountability & Growth
Recognize
Name
Disrupt
Dismantle
Reconstruct
This framework for accountability and growth was created in an essay Matthew wrote during spring, 2021. In the speech, he wrote, "It is not the sole responsibility of the global majority to advocate, lead, and take action to recognize, name, disrupt, dismantle, and rebuild practices which oppress and diminish them."
The five steps serve as umbrella. He uses this model, along with one from U.K. director Lyndsey Turner to assess situations in order to have a generative outcome.
Emergent Strategy
Matthew was first introduced to the book "Emergent Strategy" by adrienne maree brown during summer 2022. While it took him to November of that year to begin reading it, the book shifted the framework of his approach as a facilitator. Cultivated by adrienne maree brown, “Emergent strategy is how we intentionally change in ways that grow our capacity to embody the just and liberated worlds we long for.” In his opinion, this is a must read book. The elements of and principles of Emergent Strategy, listed below, have become an integral part of Matthew's practice.
To learn more or support the work of Emergent Strategy and the Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute, visit esii.org
Elements
Non-Linear & Iterative:
How do I/we learn from this
Fractal:
How we are at the small scale is how we are at the large scale
Adaptive:
How we live & grow & stay purposeful in the face of constant change
Resilience & Transformative Justice:
How we recover & transform
Creating More Possibilities:
Where we move towards life. where we shape tomorrow towards abundance
Interdependence & Decentralization:
Mutual resilience, shared leadership & vision
Core Principles
Change is constant. (Be like water).
Small is good, small is all. (The large is a reflection of the small.)
There is always enough time for the right work.
Less Prep, More Presence.
There is a conversation in the room that only
these people at this moment can have. Find it.
Never a failure, always a lesson.
Trust the people. (If you trust the people, they
become trustworthy).
What you pay attention to grows.
Move at the speed of trust. Focus on critical
connections more than critical mass - build resilience by building relationships.