Creative Australia has today announced a major expansion of its investment in leadership development, with the launch of the Leadership Capability program to deliver more opportunities for artists, creative workers, managers and board members across Australia.
Creative Australia will invest $1 million in leadership opportunities to be offered nationally in 2026. Developed in response to sector insights, including the Creative Workforce Scoping Study, the new program provides a flexible, contemporary and diverse approach to supporting leadership development for the sector.
Creative Australia CEO, Adrian Collette AM said:
"Leadership capability is built through experience, practice and connection. We know there is strong demand from artists and arts workers for more flexible and accessible ways to grow these skills. The new program will open new pathways into leadership for a broader and more diverse range of people, helping to build the capacity of the sector and support a thriving creative future."
The program will deliver open-access labs, scholarships, targeted workshops, and grants for governance training.
The program will include funded scholarships in industry-led leadership programs delivered by Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership and Small Giants Academy.
Creative Australia Director Capability Development, Adam McGowan said:
"We are building a leadership development model that is equitable, accessible and future oriented. By broadening access to development opportunities, we are supporting a new generation of thinkers and leaders to drive change, collaboration and capability across the cultural and creative sector.
