Programmes

Creative Leadership

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A programme created to explore and build a new model of distributed leadership.

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The Creative Leadership programme challenges dominant models of hierarchical leadership in ways that support the development of Plymouth’s cultural ecology.

On its pilot year (2024), it benefited 40 Creative Leaders in Plymouth and the surrounding area by delivering five steams of activity: Mentoring, Bursaries, Action Learning, Events and a Focus Group.

We’re very pleased to be continuing the programme in 2026/27. The programme is now focusing on building and supporting a network of creative leaders across the city through a series of leadership events and networking opportunities.

We are also currently conducting a survey for Disabled and/or D/deaf creatives living and/or working in Plymouth, to gather feedback on a proposed networking meet up specifically for Disabled and/or D/deaf people working in the arts and cultural sector in Plymouth. More details below.

Disabled and/or D/deaf Plymouth Creatives Meet up
Thursday 8 October 2026, 6pm-7pm ONLINE

» CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR FREE TICKET

Plymouth Culture has been consulting with Disabled and/or D/deaf creatives in Plymouth about a possible series of meet up events.

After an online survey and more in depth focus group consultations, the resounding opinion was YES! to specific meet up events for Disabled and/or D/deaf creatives.

This first meet up is online and will be an opportunity to meet other creatives in a friendly and supportive environment. Chat about what you do; what you're interested in; and how you find working/interacting as a creative person in Plymouth. Peer support, feedback and potential for collaborations.

This first meeting will be facilitated by Sophie Mellor, Creative Leadership Programme Coordinator, and we will use this opportunity to decide how future meet ups will be facilitated.

The idea being these meet ups are by and for Disabled and/or D/deaf creatives, with support from Plymouth Culture.

WHAT NEXT?
Once you have signed up to the event you will be sent a Teams link for the online meet up.

ACCESS
- The online meet up with include on screen captions.
- We will record a written transcript which can be circulated afterwards.
- Please keep your camera off if this feels more comfortable for you.
- Support workers welcome.
- Plymouth Culture has an access budget - please get in contact as soon as possible if you would like to make use of this budget to support your attendance. Email Sophie on sophie@plymouthculture.co.uk

Disabled and/or D/deaf Creatives Consultation

In July and August 2026 we undertook a consultation with Disabled and/or D/deaf Creatives in Plymouth about interest in a possible meet up group.

» CLICK HERE TO READ THE CONSULTATION SUMMARY (pdf)

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Get Involved

If you’re interested in being connected to and hear from other creative leaders, you’re welcome to join our LinkedIn group:

Join Linkedin Group
A group of people attending a presentation in a conference room with a speaker at the front and a PowerPoint slide displayed on a screen.
read about the 2024 pilot programme