RFAs: Emerging Leaders Colloquium Scholarship (Australia)

The Emerging Leaders Colloquium Scholarship by Creative Australia supports mid-career arts and cultural leaders to integrate ethical learning and values-driven decision-making into their leadership practice.

Funding covers travel and access support, enabling leaders with 10+ years of experience to participate in a five-day immersive program that strengthens leadership skills, professional networks, and sector-wide impact.

Program Overview

Creative Australia’s Emerging Leaders Colloquium Scholarship is designed for mid-career arts and cultural leaders who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.

The program emphasizes:

• Ethical decision-making and values-driven leadership

• Navigating complex challenges with clarity and confidence

• Reflective discussions to enhance insight and strategic thinking

• Cultivating sustainable and positive change within the arts and cultural sector

Program Details

• Duration: 5 days, 19–23 October 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

• Location: Airlie Leadership Development Centre, Melbourne

• Participants: Approximately 20 leaders from diverse professional backgrounds

• Pre-Program Work: 200 pages of prescribed readings to inform discussions

The program combines moderated dialogue, structured learning, and peer networking to develop leadership capabilities and sector engagement.

Funding Support

Travel Support

• Up to $1,000 available for travel-related expenses (flights, ground transport, accommodation)

• Intended for applicants facing financial barriers (under-employed, unwaged, low income, regional/remote)

• Cannot be used for wages, per diems, or stipends

• Applicants must specify the requested amount, intended use, and impact on participation

• Funding is limited and may not be available to all successful applicants

Access Support

• Up to $3,000 available to cover access costs for inclusive participation

• Applicants must indicate the required amount and intended use in the application

• Funding outcomes communicated with scholarship results

Applicants are encouraged to explore additional financial support from employers or other sources.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be Australian citizens or permanent residents

• Be practising artists or arts workers with 10+ years of sector experience

• Be employed at least 0.5 FTE in an organisation providing arts and cultural services in Australia

• Work primarily in First Nations Arts and Culture, Community Arts and Cultural Development, Emerging and Experimental Arts, Multi-Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts, Literature, or intersections of these artforms

• Be available to attend all program activities

Ineligible applicants include:

• Individuals under 18 years

• Groups or organisations

• Those working primarily in film, fashion, graphic design, screen, gaming, or architecture

• Participants in past Creative Australia leadership programs (Arts Leaders/Future Leaders 2022–23, Creative Leadership 2024–25, SEC Newgate Mentoring 2025–26)

• Applicants with outstanding unacquitted grants or debts to Creative Australia

• Only one application per applicant is permitted

Application Process

1. Submit through Fluxx: Select ‘Leadership Scholarships’ under ‘Apply for a Grant’

2. Provide personal details and responses to application questions

3. Submit supporting material: CV in Word, PDF, or accessible URL

4. Optional video response: Up to 4 minutes addressing “Introduce yourself and tell us how you practise leadership”

5. Assessment: Panel of industry advisers and Creative Australia staff evaluate applications based on:

   • Viability: Connection of experience and aspirations to program goals

   • Impact: Timeliness, motivation, and alignment of leadership goals with program learning

6. Notification: Successful applicants notified within 14 weeks; agreements outlining conditions and funding attached to online accounts

Why It Matters

• Empowers mid-career leaders to integrate ethics and values into decision-making

• Strengthens leadership capacity across Australia’s arts and cultural sector

• Builds networks and encourages sector-wide collaboration and positive impact

• Supports inclusive participation through travel and access funding

FAQs

1. Who can apply for this scholarship?

Mid-career arts and cultural leaders with at least 10 years of experience, Australian citizens or permanent residents, employed at least 0.5 FTE in an arts/cultural organisation.

2. How long is the program, and where is it held?

5 days, 19–23 October 2026, at Airlie Leadership Development Centre, Melbourne.

3. What funding support is available?

Up to $1,000 for travel and $3,000 for access costs to ensure inclusive participation.

4. Can previous leadership program participants apply?

No, participants in Arts Leaders/Future Leaders 2022–23, Creative Leadership 2024–25, or SEC Newgate 2025–26 are ineligible.

5. Can groups or organisations apply?

No, applications are limited to individuals only.

6. What materials must be submitted?

Application form, personal details, responses to questions, CV, and optionally a 4-minute video introducing leadership practice.

7. How are applications assessed?

By a panel evaluating Viability and Impact, considering experience, motivation, and alignment with the program’s learning model.

Conclusion

The Emerging Leaders Colloquium Scholarship equips mid-career arts and cultural leaders with the tools, ethical framework, and networks to lead with integrity and drive positive, sustainable change across Australia’s arts sector.

It combines immersive learning, reflective practice, and professional support to ensure participants emerge ready to navigate complex leadership challenges with confidence.