ACCELERATE has been initiated by the British Council and the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Culture (University of Melbourne), in association with the Australia Council for the Arts and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

In its first year, ACCELERATE will give three individuals the opportunity to work in the UK under the guidance and mentorship of UK creative leaders in their own world class cultural organisations.

Selected through a national competitive process, successful candidates will undertake a tailored professional development programme valued at $20,000, including:

An all expenses paid trip to the UK including a return economy Virgin Atlantic Airways flight

Individually designed professional development program in the UK creative industries

Leadership training in London

A professional placement within a cultural organisation upon return to Australia.

ACCELERATE seeks accomplished individuals who are established in their art-form, well-respected by their community and professional peers and poised to take the next step in their careers.

Candidates must be identified as Indigenous Australian and an artist practitioner or artsworker in the creative industries, such as theatre, music, dance, visual arts, festivals or writing.

Organisers will be working closely with the winners to create a program that suits their area of expertise and professional aspirations. Winners will depart Australia in October 2009 for the UK component of their program, and will undertake a professional placement in Australia when they return in early 2010.

Applicants will be invited to self-nominate, or can be nominated by community peers and industry leaders.

Applications close Friday 17 July 2009.

Application forms, selection criteria and more information is available at www.accelerate.org.au or email info@accelerate.org.au.