The Role of Networks in Promoting Professional Legitimacy in the Performing Arts Sector in Ireland

There is a substantial amount of work published on networking; however, analysis of network typology is rare and even rarer in the context of the performing arts. This paper proposes a typology, the embedded-project, and the study suggests that, although network members skills and tasks are subject to change within a short timescale, they exist within a stable, permanent network. The paper describes the key dimensions of the typology, such as: objectives, flow of resources, specialization, redundancy, flexibility, access to network, distribution of power, governance mechanisms, interdependencies, durability and legitimacy.