Expanding our investment in leadership development to grow capability across the sector
We are changing the way we deliver our leadership and governance programs, expanding the range of opportunities and increasing open access places. We will equip more artists, arts workers, and arts leaders with the skills and capabilities to navigate complexity, advance shared priorities, and meet contemporary and future challenges.
Our new leadership program will support emerging artists, mid-career managers, established leaders, and board members across Australia with a $1 million investment in opportunities offered nationally in 2026.
There will be open-access labs, scholarships to participate in industry-led programs, targeted workshops, and grants for governance training. The new program now offers multiple pathways for professional growth. Opportunities are tailored to diverse learning and development needs, and relevant to local contexts.
Building on our long-term investment in leadership capability and developed in response to insights from arts and cultural leaders across Australia through research like the Creative Workforce Scoping Study, the new program addresses the sector’s call for more flexible, accessible and modular forms of leadership development.
We are continuing our commitment to increase participation in our capability development programs from communities traditionally underrepresented. Through our investments in leadership capability, we seek to drive greater diversity and representation in the creative sector.
Photo: 2022 Future Leaders Residential 2, Bundanon Art Museum and Bridge. Credit: Heidrun Lohr.
Scholarships open Tuesday 3 February 2026
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Leadership scholarships
We’re collaborating with a range of education providers to support the participation of over 45 artists and arts workers in transformative leadership programs. With a focus on systems thinking, ethical decision-making, and adaptive leadership practice; these programs support development of skills, knowledge, and mindsets that foster the arts and cultural sector’s aspirations for change.
Scholarship programs range from 5-days to 10-months, use diverse learning methods and provide connection with cohorts from within and outside the arts and cultural sector.
Scholarship recipients will receive a fully funded place in their selected program and some opportunities will include additional development such as mentoring, peer connection, and attendance at relevant sector convenings. Support for travel expenses and access needs will be available on a limited basis to support equitable participation.
Applications for all scholarships will open on Tuesday 3 February 2026 and close on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program scholarships: for emerging artists and arts workers with at least 5-years and no more than 10-years of experience and living in regional, rural and remote Australia. Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental practices for collaborative and adaptive leadership through an experiential and challenge-based approach to learning.
Key details:
- 8 scholarships available
- Commencing in March 2027
- 7 days in-person including outdoor, multi-day camping.
In addition to attending the TRAIL program, Creative Australia will support scholarship recipients to attend the Artlands conference presented by Regional Arts Australia in October 2026 and engage in additional mentoring activities after the TRAIL program — delivered in collaboration with Regional Arts Australia.
"Artists and creative practitioners have a remarkable ability to connect people, challenge perspectives and spark new ways of thinking — all qualities that strong leadership depends on.
"Through the ARLF's collaboration with Creative Australia, we’re keen to welcome more people from arts and culture into our programs. Their creativity and insight play an important role in helping rural, regional and remote communities to tell their stories and help to imagine different futures – making them powerful changemakers."
— Matt Linnegar, Chief Executive of Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
Australian Rural Leadership Foundation is a for-purpose organisation growing bold, courageous leaders for a thriving rural, regional and remote Australia.
Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership
Executive Colloquium scholarships: for established arts and cultural leaders with at least 20-years of experience seeking support to navigate the complexities of contemporary arts organisations. This program fosters deep conversations and collective wisdom, supporting participants to refine their ethical decision-making, and build the resilience to navigate complexity with integrity and courage.
Key details:
- 6 scholarship places
- Commencing in August 2026 in Sydney
- 5-days in-person
Emerging Leaders Colloquium scholarships: for mid-career arts and cultural leaders with at least 10-years of experience. This program supports the next wave of leadership in Australia to integrate ethical learning and action into their leadership practice at a pivotal point in their careers, so they can build on it for the rest of their lives.
Key details:
- 6 scholarship places
- Commencing in October 2026 in Melbourne
- 5-days in-person
"Cranlana is pleased to collaborate with Creative Australia to provide creative leaders with the opportunity to hone their ethical leadership practice. Leaders from the arts and cultural sector play a critical role in shaping the fabric of our nation. Accordingly, such leaders should be supported to develop the practical wisdom and courage required to navigate the complexities of their roles – at Cranlana we’re thrilled to be able to create the space for this to occur."
— Matt Finnis, CEO of Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership
Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership partners with leaders and organisations across public, private, and non-profit sectors to cultivate ethical leadership, driving meaningful, society-wide change.
By combining moral philosophy with contemporary insights drawn from leadership theory, behavioural ethics, psychology, and systems change, Cranlana embraces the challenges of today and the future.
Small Giants Academy
Mastery of Systems Leadership scholarships: for mid-career and established artists, arts workers and arts leaders with at least 15-years of experience who are strategically positioned to enact change in their organisations, community, and sector.
This 10-month program is an immersive journey in systems thinking, shifting systems and leadership, equipping participants to navigate complexity, drive transformation, and seek pathways to a new regenerative future.
- 5 scholarship places
- Commencing in September 2026
- 10-months with 2 x in-person retreats and weekly online sessions.
Climate Leadership Accelerator: Into the Arena scholarships: for artists and arts workers with at least 5-years of experience, suitable for those just stepping into climate leadership as well as artists and arts workers already deeply engaged and seeking peer community.
A 10-week journey to deepen your understanding of climate systems and develop a framework for climate action.
- 15 scholarship places
- 7 places commencing in September 2026 and 8 commencing in March 2027
- 10-weeks with a 2-day in-person retreat and weekly online sessions.
"Artists and creatives don't just reflect culture – they actively shape it. They're the storytellers, the weavers and sensemakers – navigating ambiguity, making the invisible visible, and translating complex ideas into forms that move people. We're thrilled to be working with Creative Australia to support those working in arts and culture to access the leadership development, community, and systems thinking tools that can amplify their already powerful work in creating the change our world needs."
— Dr. Cathy Wilkinson, CEO of Small Giants Academy
Small Giants Academy is a global education centre that nurtures and empowers conscious leadership. With a growing alumni of over 1,800 Fellows, they are a community of leaders and change-makers committed to creating a just, inclusive and sustainable future where people and planet can flourish.
Leadership Labs
The complex intersecting challenges that the arts and cultural sector faces demand shared, collaborative, and connected approaches. Leadership Labs support artists and arts workers to connect and make progress on shared priorities through an in-person day of inspiration and action. Come along to feel inspired, gain new perspectives, add to your changemaking toolkit, and forge new connections.
Creative Australia’s Leadership Labs will be open-access and free to attend. Support to attend the Labs will be available on a limited basis to enable equitable participation.
In 2026, we will host events in:
- Sydney on 30 April 2026,
- Darwin in June 2026, and
- Adelaide in September 2026.
Leadership capability workshops
From June 2026, Creative Australia will pilot a new series of workshops that support mid-career and established arts workers to hone specific leadership skills and mindsets.
These workshops will be led by expert facilitators and responsive to local needs and priorities. Workshop topics might include conflict resolution and transformation, leading diverse teams, advocacy and strategic communications, and change management.
Support to attend the workshops will be available on a limited basis to enable equitable participation.
From June 2026, we will host workshops in:
- Australian Capital Territory,
- Queensland,
- Tasmania,
- Victoria, and
- Western Australia.
Dates, venues, and further details will be announced in 2026.
Governance capability
Strong governance leadership builds stronger organisations and a stronger sector. Through the Company Director Capability Funds for Individuals and Organisations and new resources on our Governance Hub, we’re investing in the next generation of directors and board leaders.
Applications for the Company Director Capability Fund will open on Tuesday 3 February 2026 and close on Tuesday 3 March 2026.
Targeted investments
Strategic investments
Complementing our scholarships and open access workshops, we are investing in a range of pilot development opportunities to support leadership capability needs across the sector.
In 2026, we are supporting:
- 12 executive leaders in Sydney’s performing arts sector through a customised leadership development workshop with Tenille Halliday + Partners.
- 17 mid-career and established leaders in Brisbane and surrounds through access to Veronica Pardo & Associates Culturally Safe Leadership and Conscious Leadership in Action workshop program.
Alumni programs
We continue to offer leadership development opportunities to our Leadership Programs Alumni Network, supporting ongoing learning.
Opportunities will include scholarships into industry-led workshops, support to engage with leaders across industry through conferences and invitations to our Leadership Labs.
Frequently asked questions
Will the Arts Leaders, Future Leaders and Creative Leadership Program run again?
No, we will not be running these programs again. Our new investment in scholarships will replace these programs.
When can I apply for the scholarships?
Applications for the scholarship opportunities will open on 3 February 2026 and close on 17 March 2026.
Sign up here to the Creative Australia newsletter for news and updates.
Will there be an opportunity for me?
Our new programs will provide more opportunities for more artists, arts workers and leaders to develop their leadership and drive change.
Our scholarships will have specific eligibility requirements — check back when opportunities open to see what might be available to you.
Our Leadership Labs are free, open-access, and for artists, arts workers and arts leaders interested in developing leadership skills, mindsets and networks to support change within and beyond our sector.
How can I get more information about the new leadership capability initiatives?
Make sure you sign up to hear more about the new leadership capability program here. More information will be available in early 2026.
Scholarship opportunities will open on 3 February 2026.
