Birmingham to train next generation of diverse cultural leaders

Over 50 new and established Birmingham-based artists from diverse backgrounds are to benefit from a £60k initiative to develop “the wide range of skills needed to be a 21^st Century leader.”

RE:Present, which will consist of a leadership course, “targeted mentoring” and public masterclasses, is intended to cover the “most common development needs of emerging and established leaders”.  In a city where 42% of the population identifies as non-white and “the leadership of cultural organisations doesn’t reflect its audiences”, it will provide sessions focused on digital leadership and market orientation, using and leveraging networks, and developing communication and financial skills.

Councillor Penny Holbrook, cabinet member for skills, learning and culture at Birmingham City Council, said that Birmingham should see its “wonderful” cultural diversity reflected in the leadership of the cultural sector: “…how else can we continue to thrive and inspire young people from across our communities? It is great to see that this programme will provide aspirational cultural leaders from a range of backgrounds, including women who are also under-represented, with the chance to develop the skills and experience to challenge the status quo.”

60 participants will be selected for training across two experience groups. One is designed for artists who have been working for 1 – 5 years, and the other for those who have worked for 5 – 10 years. The application process is open until Monday 8th February and hopes to provide an “employment escalator” for practitioners in the city.

The initiative is funded by Arts Council England (ACE) and Birmingham City Council, and run in partnership with freelancer Lara Ratnaraja, Creative Shift, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University and Aston University.

Peter Knott, ACE’s Area Director for the Midlands, explained why the project had received Arts Council support: “To quote our Chief Executive’s inaugural speech: ‘Creative talent is everywhere but opportunity is not,’ which is why we’re investing in RE:Present. This ambitious and dynamic programme is designed to create new opportunities for people from a mix of backgrounds, supporting emerging and established leaders who are passionate about seeing art and culture in Birmingham thrive to meet the needs of the city’s population.”

The bulk of RE:Present’s activity will take place between March and June 2016.