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: Artists of Australian Dance Theatre and The Australian Ballet in THE HUM (Riley), 2023. Credit: Daniel Boud.
Open opportunities
Leadership and governance opportunities
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 are now open for the leadership scholarships below:
Governance capability
Strong governance leadership builds stronger organisations and a stronger sector. Through the Company Director Capability Funds and new resources on our Governance Hub, we’re investing in the next generation of directors and board leaders.
Applications are now open for the governance capability opportunities below:
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.
Dates, venues, and further details will be announced in 2026. Sign up to our e-newsletter for updates on open opportunities, upcoming events, and more.
Leadership 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. Sign up to our e-newsletter for updates on open opportunities, upcoming events, and more.
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
- 20 organisational leaders in WA through a new pilot: Systems Thinking Professional Development Course with AFOCAL.
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. Read more: Past leadership programs and alumni.
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.
Read more: Find investments & opportunities .
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.
Read more about the Leadership Scholarships and Company Director Capability Funds here: Find investments & opportunities
