Australia Council invests in a new generation of arts leaders

The first of a new suite of five leadership development opportunities is now open for applications from arts managers across Australia.

The new program responds to the changing arts environment and is part of a broader approach by the Australia Council to support a dynamic and sustainable sector through flexible grant programs and targeted strategic development activity.

Australia Council Chief Executive Tony Grybowski said investing in the development of arts leaders was critical to building the strength and artistic vibrancy of Australia’s arts companies, and that it would benefit the sector well beyond those who participated in the program.

Grybowski explained “the Australia Council has a long history of providing professional development opportunities to Australian arts leaders and organisations. This program responds to sector feedback and builds on the success of our leadership development initiatives over the past six years.

“Between 2010 and 2014, the Council invested more than $16.5 million to increase long-term resilience and sustainability of the arts in Australia. This included mentorships, workshops, conferences, summits, forums and online resources.

"We have seen great results from these programs for early career and established artists and arts managers. Sharing knowledge and experience across areas of practice and geographic regions has enriched the capacity of our alumni and all those they work with.”

Following the Arts Leaders Program, the Council will deliver four other programs this year - Future Leaders; Governance; Mentoring and Secondments; and Scholarships and Partnerships.

International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies Deputy Director Magdalena Moreno Mujica participated in the Council’s first iteration of the Emerging Leaders Development Program.

Moreno commented “the Australia Council Leadership Programs acknowledge the importance of arts leaders, recognise their contribution and provide an enriching platform for exchange, learning, thinking outside the square, deep listening and re-invigorating that energy to serve our sector.

“Being an alumni of the first edition of the ELPD program has reaffirmed my deep commitment to serving the sector I represent. It has been an invaluable investment and one I continue to refer to today. The Australia Council has recognised the need to invest in the arts leaders of today as agents of change.”

The Arts Leaders Program is open to people working in all art forms and is designed to suit various levels of experience. Learning from some of Australia’s most influential arts leaders, participants will come away with enhanced leadership capabilities, valuable new networks, and the tools needed to manage the challenges of a constantly evolving art environment.

The program will explore how organisations are run, how to create partnerships, and engaging with audiences, communities and stakeholders. Participants will need to commit to a 15 month course, which includes three intensive three-day residentials, workshops and an online course.

The program costs $990, which includes accommodation and resources, and applicants may be eligible for fee assistance. This program will be offered twice, in 2016 and again in 2017.

Applications close on 7th June and recipients will be notified in July.

A second round for the Arts Leaders Program will open in October.

For more information on the Arts Leaders Program go to www.australiacouncil.gov.au/leadership

Images: Magdalena Moreno Mujica (top) and Tony Grybowski (below).

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