Fellowship for future theatre leader in Northern Ireland

08/01/2007

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has announced today that it will be funding a Fellowship on the Clore Leadership Programme for an outstanding individual who wishes to develop and base their career as a cultural leader in theatre in Northern Ireland.

 

The Clore Leadership Programme annually recruits about 25 exceptional individuals, drawn from across the UK, who have the potential to play a significant role across a wide range of cultural activity. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland Fellow will take part in a tailor-made programme, lasting a year or longer, and starting in September 2007. This will include two intensive residential leadership courses; professional development through mentoring, tuition and group learning; an in-depth research project, supervised by a Higher Education Institution; and a period of secondment, including experience of managing a challenging project.

 

Roisín Mc Donough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “We’re delighted to offer this tremendous opportunity to a talented theatre practitioner who wants to develop her or his career. It’s a significant investment over a two year period and requires the highest level of commitment from prospective applicants who must show how they will benefit from such an experience. I am confident we will find that outstanding applicant and, through this fellowship, help nurture them to become a recognised cultural leader of tomorrow”.

 

The 2007/8 Fellow will be following in the footsteps of Kevin Murphy, Audience Development Manager for the Classical Music Society and 2006/7 Fellow on the Clore Leadership Programme. Kevin says, “I can’t begin to describe the impact the Clore Leadership Programme has already made on my professional life. It’s a bit like having all the doors opened at the same time, with a friendly hand to guide you. I’m regularly in the same room as many of the top leaders in the arts from the UK and the rest of the world. It’s an opportunity of a life-time”.

 

Katrina Newell , Co-ordinator for New Lodge Arts at the Ashton Centre in Belfast and 2004/5 Fellow on the Clore Leadership Programme, added, “The Programme provided me with tailor-made training including seminars, courses and workshops in areas where I needed development, and a life-coach to help me on a personal level. I had time to reflect on my own work, and to learn from other organisations how best to engage marginalised young people through the arts”.

 

The closing date for applications for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Fellowship on the Clore Leadership Programme is Monday 19 th February 2007. Application forms are available online at www.cloreleadership.org. The name of the Fellow will be announced in June.