EOI Deadline: 10 October 2024
Apply for the Shifting the Balance Leadership Program
Diversity Arts Australia’s Shifting the Balance research revealed that only 9% of leaders in the arts, screen, and creative sectors were from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) background. This timely leadership program aims to address these disparities as Diversity Arts undertakes a follow-up report to drive meaningful change.
The Shifting the Balance Leadership Program is a new program for arts leaders to explore new ideas, directions and collaborations. It offers a flexible journey to help Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and Culturally and Racially Marginalised leaders in NSW’s arts and cultural sectors grow, develop, and build lasting careers.
Delivered by Diversity Arts, TAFE NSW and other partners, the program targets mid-career arts and cultural workers and leaders, aiming to deepen their knowledge and skills and support them both in and towards leadership roles. The program seeks to foster strategic connections and networks to support a sustainable and meaningful career in the creative sector.
The program is designed in two stages. This EOI is calling for participants for Stage 1 of the program. Stage 1 participants will be invited to apply to Stage 2.
*Stage 1 focuses on knowledge and capacity building and will include a TAFE skill set, leadership masterclass series, mentoring and creative sector networking. Estimated time: 45 hours – 50 hours
*Stage 2 is a career enhancement opportunity tailored to each participant. Diversity Arts Australia will work with participants to design either a mentorship program, an opportunity to undertake a paid internship, work assignment, fellowship or further leadership development. Estimated time is 40-80 hours depending on the project.
What you will gain
- Increased readiness and confidence to seek arts and creative sector leadership roles (at respective career stages) or increased confidence in current leadership role.
- Increased knowledge and skills to champion cultural safety/inclusion practices within current/future roles
- Broader connections across the arts and cultural sectors with arts leaders and employees with a focus on introducing you to other culturally diverse arts and creative sector leaders.
- New industry networks: opening doors to opportunities and collaborations across the sector.
- Bespoke Training & Mentoring: equipped with the tools and confidence needed to become thought leaders and changemakers within and beyond the arts and cultural industries.
- Culturally safe training and support: featuring established CaRM leaders as speakers, mentors, and contributors to industry events, providing participants with knowledge and capacity to advocate and take action.
- Self-Directed Projects: participants will have the opportunity to apply learnings through a self-selected Growth/Learning project aimed at enhancing profile and increasing opportunities within the industry. (Stage 2 only)
Masterclasses will cover topics such as:
- Transformative and Adaptive Leadership
- Leading with an Advocacy Mindset
- First Nations Protocols
- Strategic Communication and Collaboration
- How Leadership and Identity are Intertwined: Lessons from Culturally Diverse Leaders
- Ethics in Leadership
- Equity and Anti-Racist Leadership Practice
Key Dates (Stage 1)
- Applications close: 10 October 2024
- Notification of outcome: 15 October 2024
- Program Dates: November 2024 (three x 5 hour in-person sessions + three x 3 hour online sessions.) Program dates subject to minimum participant numbers.
Stage 2 Dates – Commence Late January 2025
Eligibility requirements: Who can participate?
- Mid-career creative directors, senior producers, artistic directors, senior programmers, curators, managers, CEOs, publishers and those with a vision for change across the creative sectors who have 5 years or more of experience in the arts and creative sectors
- Those aiming to take on leadership roles in the creative sector, as well as those already in leadership positions (recognising that leadership takes many forms and is not limited to specific positions).
- People from underrepresented culturally and linguistically diverse and culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds, including those who identify as migrants, refugees, Black, and People of Colour.
- People who are aged 18 years and over.
Women and gender diverse people and People with Disability are encouraged to apply.
Selection criteria
- 5 years of local or international experience in the creative sectors
- Committed to racial justice and cultural equity
- Available to attend during the dates mentioned above
- Commitment to reflect on and develop your arts leadership practice alongside other peers in the arts/creative sectors
- Provide 1 written reference
Apply Now
Click here to submit an EOI application.
All successful applicants will be asked to complete a Police Check and a Working with Children Check. DARTS will reimburse the financial costs associated with these checks.
If you have any queries, please contact the Project Lead, Simone Amelia Jordan, at storycasters@diversityarts.org.au.
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FAQs
What does mid-career mean?
For the purposes of this program, mid-career is defined as 5 or more years of experience in the arts, screen or creative sectors.
How are participants selected?
Participants are selected based on their eligibility as outlined in the applicant requirements, which include factors like cultural background, intersectional identity, and professional experience in the arts or creative sectors. Applications are reviewed to ensure alignment with the program’s goals, and preference may be given to those from underrepresented groups or specific geographic regions (such as Western Sydney and the City of Sydney) based on the program’s funding and objectives. Selection may also consider the applicant’s demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to advancing in the creative industry.
What does a two-stage program involve?
The Shifting The Balance Leadership Program will be delivered in two stages.
Stage 1: Training and masterclasses with subject matter experts, mentoring, and networking that provides participants with creative sector knowledge and career pathways.
Stage 2: Customised program for a select number of participants from Stage 1. Participants may choose to undertake a fellowship, a paid internship/mentorship, further training/leadership development or a specific self-directed project.
How will Stage 2 participants be selected?
By submitting an Expression of Interest with 2 referees and a 1-2-page CV outlining your key experience.
When does Stage 2 start?
Stage 2 will likely start in late January 2025
How will Stage 2 participants be selected?
Stage 2 of the program is only eligible for those who graduated from Stage 1. Stage 2 participants will be invited to submit an EOI/Proposal.
How much time will it take?
Stage 1 of the program requires you to commit around 3-5 hours per week. This includes attending meetings and workshops and any preparation and consultation within your organisation. Stage 2 of the program will be an extended period for an approved work placement, study tour, or mentoring arrangement.
What does the program cost?
The program will be provided free of charge to successful participants.
*We value this complete program at $19,000 ($12,000 for stage 1 and $7,000 for stage 2).
What accessibility support services are provided?
To ensure the program is inclusive and accessible, participants will receive support that matches their access requirements, eg. Auslan interpreting, LOTE interpreters, childminding.
Who do I contact with further questions?
Email Simone Amelia Jordan, Shifting the Balance Project Lead: simone.jordan@diversityarts.org.au.
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About the Trainer (TAFE NSW):
Dr Paula Abood is a writer, community cultural development practitioner, creative producer and educator. She has worked with diverse communities for over three decades across the arts, community and education sectors. Dr Abood was the 2013 recipient of Creative Australia’s Ros Bower Award for lifetime achievement in community arts and cultural development (CACD) and was awarded a 2018 CACD Fellowship. Dr Abood has developed learning resources and taught widely on subjects including human rights approaches in critical community development practice. She is Chair of Arab Theatre Studio and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Community Refugee Welcome Centre on Gadigal land.
Project Oversight: Lena Nahlous, CEO and Executive Producer, Diversity Arts Australia
Project Lead: Simone Amelia Jordan, Diversity Arts Australia
About Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS):
Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS) is the national voice advocating for ethnocultural and migrant racial equity in the arts, cultural, and creative sectors: http://DiversityArts.org.au.
Photo: Intersect Leadership Program at the Refugee Welcome Centre | Photo credit Nasir Jebeile for Diversity Arts
