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Arts Leadership Program

Instigated by Richard Ryan AO, envisioned by Douglas Gautier AM and brought to you by Adelaide Festival Centre.

Arts Leadership Program Celia Coulthard photocredit Simon 2560x1280

The Arts Leadership Program is a fully funded, four-day intensive, with tailored leadership guidance and curated workshops from expert leaders.

The Adelaide Festival Centre's Arts Leadership Program is designed to support arts industry workers across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, who see themselves as future leaders, to gain the tools to take their career to the next leadership level.

Participants receive:

  • Personalised leadership tools
  • Dedicated knowledge exchange with industry professionals
  • Peer support
  • Networking and relationship building
  • Connecting with people and place 
  • Leadership perspective and self  
  • Experiencing and creating change 
  • Tour and networking opportunity 
  • Kegan and Lacey Immunity to Change exercise: exploring progress blockers  
  • One-on-one time to create a personalised leadership development plan with timing and actions 
  • Group mindfulness exercise 
  • Peer coaching and networking 
  • Reflective personal leadership activity  
  • Your wellbeing as a leader
  • Wellbeing in the Arts
  • The Arts impact on wellbeing for communities
  • Wellbeing of the planet - the role of the Arts
  • Coaching
  • Data and customer journey in the Arts
  • Group problem solving
  • Networking event

Requirements

  • Demonstrated experience in the Arts
  • Written application components

Selection Criteria

  • Curriculum vitae (resume)
  • 400-word application (selection criteria)
  • Brief recommendation (letter of support from a third party, e.g. manager)

Key dates

  • Applications open: 12 June 2025
  • Applications close: 4 August 2025
  • Notification of outcome: 19 September 2025
  • Program dates: 4 to 7 November 2025

This program is free of charge with lunch and some dinner vouchers provided. All travel and accommodation costs for interstate applicants need to be covered by participants. If you're coming from overseas, please get in touch with us as we have some scholarships available.  

FAQs

Fully funded refers to the program which includes:  

  • The program content including close group work with great leaders and a deep dive into your leadership journey with psychologist Dr John Wood who has worked extensively with leaders. 
  • Each day: morning teas, lunches, and afternoon teas.  
  • Dinner for one night. 
  • Ticket to OzAsia performance which you are invited to attend if you wish with other participants. 
  • A networking event to round out the program. 

 

Therefore, you may wish to budget for additional dinners, breakfasts, flights, and accommodation. We will have coffee and tea’s available, however, if you wish to purchase any other drinks you may wish to add this to your budget.  

All eligible international applicants who are accepted into the Arts Leadership Program will be considered for a grant to receive full coverage for flights and accommodation to attend the Arts Leadership Program. No separate application is required. The outcome of grant allocation will be known when we communicate to successful applicants of their acceptance into the Arts Leadership Program. 

Currently, applicants residing in Australia, New Zealand, India, and South-East Asia are eligible to apply. If you live near these regions or are unsure about your eligibility, please contact artsleadership@adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au. Be sure to include your country of residence in your inquiry. 

The Arts Leadership Program takes place in early November in South Australia. During this time, temperatures typically range between 14°C and 26°C (averages 24°C), but can reach into the mid-to high 30s. The weather is generally warm; however, cold snaps can occur, so we recommend bringing layers to accommodate cooler conditions. 

Please pack comfortable clothing for the workshops. Closed-toe shoes are required for the tour day and successful applicants will be notified of the specific date closer to the event. You may also wish to bring business casual or cocktail attire for the networking event. 


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From Past Participants

  • It's been a life-changing program - opening my mind to my past, offering deep reflection, personal learning, as well as deepening our ties in the industry and with interstate, international counterparts! What a bag of goodies to take away from the program!

    — Zhao Liang, South Australia
  • The Arts Leadership Program was a transformative experience for me. It not only deepened my understanding of diverse cultures but also reignited my passion for continuous learning and self-improvement. The insights gained have inspired me to share my knowledge and actively contribute to strengthening the creative industry. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an enriching journey, and I look forward to applying these learnings to empower others in the field.

    — Vim Calmerin, Philippines
  • I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been chosen to attend this program. It has been an honour to be part of this incredible experience, connecting with and learning from so many inspiring leaders across South East Asia. I am excited to witness how this program continues to grow and create a lasting impact in the future.

    — Kat Triall, Victoria
  • I am so very grateful for the opportunity to join a group of peers in the wider region - the connections I was able to make whilst learning new leadership skills has reinvigorated my passion for working and contributing to the arts ecology.

    — Marty Evans, Queensland


Congratulations to our 2024 Arts Leadership Program Participants


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