Deadline: 17-Mar-2026

Creative Australia’s Climate Leadership Accelerator: Into the Arena Scholarship is a 10-week program designed to develop climate leadership skills for practising artists and arts workers. Participants engage in a cohort-based program with in-person and online sessions, receive funding support for participation and travel, and gain skills in climate action planning, communication, and sector leadership. Applications are open for programs starting in September 2026 and April 2027.

About the Program

The Climate Leadership Accelerator: Into the Arena is a 10-week leadership program that equips participants with tools to understand climate systems and lead climate action initiatives. The program helps participants:

• Create a Climate Action Plan and strategic framework

• Build cross-sector connections

• Understand interconnections between environmental and social systems

• Strengthen communication and interpersonal skills

• Develop resilience to lead effectively amid climate challenges

Program Structure

• Cohort Size: Approximately 23 participants from diverse sectors and career stages

• Format:

  • Two-day in-person retreat in St Kilda, Melbourne (VIC)

  • Nine weekly three-hour online sessions

• Program Dates:

  • 2026 Program: Retreat on 17–18 September 2026; online sessions every Wednesday from 17 September to 18 November 2026, 4pm–7pm AEST/AEDT

  • 2027 Program: Retreat on 15–16 April 2027; online sessions every Wednesday from 21 April to 23 June 2027, 4pm–7pm AEST

• Applicants must select one program when applying

Funding and Support

• Travel Support: Up to $1,000 to reduce barriers to attending in-person activities (flights, ground transport, accommodation)

• Participation Access Contribution: Up to $3,000 for program access costs

• Applicants must specify funding requirements and how the funds will support participation

• Funding cannot cover wages, per diems, or stipends

• Applicants are encouraged to seek additional support where possible, including from employers

Who is Eligible?

• Australian citizens or permanent residents

• Practising artists or arts workers with at least five years of experience in the arts and cultural sector

• Primary fields include: 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 forms

• Must be available to attend all program activities

Not Eligible:

• Individuals under 18, groups, or organisations

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

• Previous participants in specific leadership programs (2022–2026)

• Applicants with unresolved grants or debts to Creative Australia

• Only one application per applicant

Application Process

• Submit applications through Fluxx, the official application management system

• New accounts may require up to two business days for approval

• Application requires:

  • Responses to questions about leadership practice, motivation, experience managing discomfort, and vision for change

  • CV (file or URL)

  • Optional video response of up to four minutes for leadership introduction

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed by a panel of industry advisers and Creative Australia staff using two main criteria:

• Viability: Connection between applicant’s experience, aspirations, leadership goals, and ability to commit to the program

• Impact: Potential for participation to develop the applicant’s career, contribute to change in the arts and cultural sector, and support an accessible, inclusive, and equitable sector

Outcome and Reporting

• Applicants are notified within 14 weeks of the closing date

• Successful applicants receive an agreement outlining: conditions of participation, payment details, and reporting requirements

• Unsuccessful applicants receive general feedback published on the Creative Australia website within four weeks of notification

Conclusion

The Climate Leadership Accelerator: Into the Arena Scholarship provides practising artists and arts workers a unique opportunity to develop climate leadership skills, create actionable climate strategies, and build a peer network across sectors. With structured support, cohort-based learning, and funding assistance, participants can enhance their leadership capacity and contribute meaningfully to Australia’s arts and cultural sector in the face of climate challenges.

For more information, visit Creative Australia.