Blueprint for Leadership Development in the Arts

Leadership in the arts and culture sector often emerges organically, with artists and producers stepping into leadership roles without formal training or institutional support. Unlike corporate or governmental sectors, where structured leadership programs are the norm, the arts rely heavily on experience-based learning. This gap in leadership development can make it challenging for the sector to retain and nurture its talent effectively. The NHLP-EU Project was designed to address this issue, providing a blueprint for leadership development in the arts.  Now the project’s  final report is available for review.

The NHLP-EU Project Report compiles key insights, reflections, and feedback gathered throughout the program from participants, collaborators, and partner organizations. The initiative aimed to explore new models for leadership development, ensuring that the arts and culture sector can cultivate and sustain its future leaders.

The report highlights the critical role of structured support systems in empowering emerging leaders. It underscores the fact that many individuals in the arts step into leadership positions without the kind of management training that is standard in other fields. Without proper support, these leaders face significant challenges in navigating organizational growth, advocacy, and sustainability.

The NHLP-EU model proposes a scalable framework that could be adapted across different artistic disciplines. By creating targeted leadership development programs, the sector can equip future leaders with the tools they need to build resilient and thriving creative communities.

Edward Rapley, Chair of Cirkus Syd acknowledges in the publication,  “This was the first edition of the European programme and hopefully there will be many more to come. People who know circus know that nothing worth doing will be perfect on the first attempt. Instead it must be practiced again and again, learning and refining with every repetition. We learned so much and look forward to putting that experience into our future work. Personally I’m inspired by the dedication, hope, and hard work of everyone involved. This project stands as a testament to what we can achieve through cooperation.

The findings of this report emphasize the urgent need for leadership programs tailored to the unique demands of the arts and culture industry. As the sector continues to evolve, establishing formal structures to develop and support leaders is crucial for long-term sustainability.

For a deeper look into the project and its findings, read the full report here: NHLP-EU Project Report

This report is an essential resource for policymakers, cultural institutions, and arts professionals who want to strengthen leadership pathways in the creative sector. We invite you to explore the full document and join the conversation on the future of leadership in the arts.

Main image: Photo is source from report, where photography is by: Georgina Cassels, Ivan Kleimenov, Vladimir Svetlov.