Expressions of interest are invited from colleagues working in learning and education roles in the arts and cultural sectors (UK) and the arts sector (Scotland and Wales) interested in participating in the Extend Leadership Programme 2020–21.

In order to apply, we’d like you first to complete our short expression of interest form by Friday 17 April 2020. It should take no more than a couple of minutes to complete.

Information for applicants

Covid-19 update

In light of the unprecedented events of the past weeks, we intend to delay the commencement of the Extend Leadership Programme 2020–21. We are currently scoping different models for delivery and content which will help to ensure that the programme maintains its strong reputation amongst education and learning professionals in the sector. We will continue to post updates on the Engage website and social media platforms.

In the meantime, colleagues are encouraged to submit expressions of interest here and to request calls back from Dawn Cameron, our Extend Coordinator.

We are very sorry that we can’t be more definitive at this stage. Please be assured that Extend remains a cornerstone of our endeavours to support professionals in education and learning to progress to leadership within the sector.

What is Extend?

Extend was developed in response to the under-representation of learning and education professionals in the arts and cultural sectors. The pilot programme was funded by the Cultural Leadership Programme and Creative Scotland; subsequent programmes have been funded by Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and the Arts Council of Wales.

As a leadership development programme for mid-career colleagues working in education and learning roles in the arts and cultural sectors, Extend aims to:

To support mid-career education and learning colleagues within the arts and cultural sectors to progress on their own terms, in order to assume leadership roles and responsibilities.

To enhance the audience and participant experience by increasing the influence of education and learning colleagues in strategic development and programming in the arts and cultural sectors.

To encourage a diverse range of applicants to Extend and to contribute to increasing the diversity of leadership in the arts and cultural sectors.

To interrogate and evaluate whether education and learning colleagues in the arts and cultural sector bring specific attributes, qualities or skills which contribute to leadership in the sector.

Engage actively promotes equality and diversity. Extend supports our aim to develop future leaders in the arts and cultural sectors who reflect the diversity of the UK.

Why apply to Extend?

Extend was originally developed by a group of senior professionals working in education and learning roles in the arts, and remains the only leadership programme designed to meet the specific needs of education and learning professionals who aspire to leadership positions in the arts and cultural sectors.

Extend is informed by a commitment to empowering education and learning professionals so that they are able to influence the sector’s development and help to ensure that learning is embedded in arts and cultural organisations.

The Programme enables mid-career professionals to:

Acquire and apply leadership skills, working with a cohort of peers from across England, Wales and Scotland.

Engage in intensive residentials and to explore aspects of leadership through group enquiries, mentoring, critical reflection and self-led learning

Gain opportunities to explore and reflect upon their current practice, to meet with inspiring leaders in the sector, to develop their own projects and to plan for the future

Meet and network with graduates of Extend through attendance at our annual Alumni event.

Costs

The total fee for the Programme is:

£995 for participants resident and working in England
£600 for participants resident and working in Scotland
£995 for participants resident and working in Wales

Selected applicants will be invoiced as soon as they confirm acceptance of their place. Acceptance must be confirmed within 14 days of an offer being made.

All Extend participants meet their own travel costs to the two residential courses in June 2020 and March 2021. Agreed costs associated with the completion of group enquiries will be met by Extend. An allowance is also available to contribute to travel costs associated with mentoring.