Applications are open now for Adelaide Festival Centre’s Arts Leadership Program – an annual, fully funded, four-day intensive, with tailored leadership guidance and curated workshops from expert leaders. Now in its third year, the Arts Leadership Program is designed to support arts industry workers across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, who see themselves as future leaders, gain the tools to take their career to the next level.
From 4–7 November, 20 participants from across the Asia Pacific will receive personalised leadership strategies, networking and relationship building opportunities and workshops with industry professionals. The 2025 program will focus on wellbeing in the arts. Topics will include: how to survive and thrive in the arts, how to manage strain in the sector, how to assist the creative force, and the benefits of arts for wellbeing, with evidence and data from experts.
“The Arts Leadership Program is a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of arts leaders to come together and forge valuable relationships for our sector. The arts are a vital part of society and this innovative program is helping to ensure arts workers can thrive now and into the future.”
We spoke to 2024 Arts Leadership Participant, Zhao Liang, who is now Co-CEO of Nexus Arts, about her experience taking part in the program:
Image: Sam Oster
What did you gain from taking part in Adelaide Festival Centre’s Arts Leadership program?
Zhao: The program offered some of the best talks and insights from industry professionals, in particular a full day session dedicated for us to reflect and highlight our own leadership skills - which I found empowering. The unique cohort which was a good balance of local, national and international counterparts - has also helped my personal and organisation’s projects and initiatives since the program.
How has your career changed since taking part in the Arts Leadership program?
Zhao: I was in a pit of confusion regarding arts management - so I signed up for this program. It certainly enlightened me and also gave me a broader insight and faith into what I had to offer to the industry. It has certainly led me into my current role at Nexus Arts as Co-CEO which I commenced early this year.
What did you learn from the program that you have been able to apply in your own career?
Zhao: My leadership style has certainly taken shape with more direction since this course - being a musician/ producer I have always believed in shaping my music towards storytelling. This has also translated into my leadership style - where I believe more in my choices and intuition, learning to use my listening and visionary leadership skills.
Are you still in touch with your fellow participants?
Zhao: Yes! We started a chat group and a few of us have been in touch here and there re projects and collaboration possibilities! It’s great!
Apply now
Applications to Adelaide Festival Centre's Arts Leadership Program close 4 Aug '25.