Programmes
Creative Leadership
A programme created to explore and build a new model of distributed leadership.
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.
Creative Leadership Lab
Led by Anna Croucher
14, 21 & 28 September and 12 October 2026, 10am - 12noon
Moments Cafe, 69a New George St, Plymouth PL1 1R
Apply now for ‘Creative Leadership Lab’! Applications are open to all creative leaders living or working in Plymouth (see Criteria section below). Deadline for applications is Wednesday 26 August 2026 at 5pm.
Creative Leadership Lab is for creative leaders (leaders working in arts and culture) wanting space to reflect, grow, and develop practical tools to support their leadership and wellbeing. You may be holding a lot and wanting to lead in a way that feels more grounded, sustainable, and aligned.
Using a group coaching approach, we’ll explore the real challenges that can come with leading creative work in a supportive and collaborative environment. Themes will be shaped by the group, but may include topics such as boundaries, impostor syndrome, burnout, difficult conversations, confidence, self-trust, communication, and leading with authenticity.
The focus is on helping participants develop sustainable tools and approaches that support professional flourishing, alongside connection, accountability, and shared learning with others navigating similar experiences.
Places are limited to 20 participants to allow for meaningful discussion and group connection.
Criteria
You must be a creative leader living and/or working in arts and culture in Plymouth.
You are a creative leader if you work with other people to make things happen in arts and culture. You could be salaried, freelance or voluntary. You may lead a small team within an organisation, or lead that organisation; you might lead on a project by project basis as a freelancer; you might organise arts and culture activities as a volunteer. You’ll be working in the following fields: visual art, music, dance, theatre, performance, museums, galleries, community arts, libraries, writing, film making, craft, design, animation, cultural education, cultural management/development, heritage.
Dates & Venue
All sessions will take place at Moments Cafe, 69a New George St, Plymouth, PL1 1R.
Monday 14 September 2026 - 10am to 12 noon
Monday 21 September 2026 - 10am to 12pm
Monday 28 September 2026 - 10am to 12pm
Monday 12 October 2026 - 10am to 12pm
Commitment
The expectation is that you attend all four sessions.
Access
We have an access budget available. All successful applicants will be contacted about their access needs.
Application support
If you would like an informal chat about the application process, please email Sophie Mellor, Creative Leadership Programme Coordinator at sophie@plymouthculture.co.uk
Application process
The application and selection process is designed to create a committed cohort of participants and to shape the sessions around the shared interests and needs of the group.
There is a light touch application form where we are interested in why you would like to undertake the course, and what you would like to explore during the four sessions.
You can apply with text or with audio/video. There is an application form for text and another for audio/video applications.
Selection will be made by Anna Croucher (Course Leader), Sabrina Candido (Sector Development Programme Manager, Plymouth Culture) and Sophie Mellor (Creative Leadership Programme Coordinator, Plymouth Culture).
Application form
» Click here to fill in the online TEXT application form
Application form - audio/video
We also accept audio or video applications. There are three questions on the application form. You can record up to 3 minutes per question. If you are filming your application, a head and shoulders shot is fine - don’t worry about the quality of the video shoot - we are just interested in your words!
» Click here to apply using AUDIO/VIDEO
If you have any questions about the application form, or would like an informal chat about the course, please contact Sophie Mellor - sophie@plymouthculture.co.uk
Deadline for applications
Wednesday 26 August 2026 5pm
Disabled and/or D/deaf Plymouth Creatives Survey
Plymouth Culture would like to hear the views from Disabled and/or D/deaf creatives living and/or working in Plymouth, on a possible networking group for/by Disabled and/or D/deaf creatives.
Our recent Sector Survey showed demand for more accessible and relevant networking and development opportunities from Disabled and/or D/deaf creatives. This short survey is to explore the interest in this idea, and what format it could take.
» CLICK HERE TO FILL IN THE SHORT SURVEY
The survey also details alternate ways you can share your thoughts.
The first deadline for filling in the survey was 13 July 2026, but if you missed that deadline we have now extended it to 31 August 2026.
In the meantime we are currently organising a series of online consultations with some of the survey respondents, to get a more in depth view on how people would like to take forward the idea of a networking group. We plan to share the outcome of these discussions, and an overview of the survey, in September 2026.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in being connected to and hear from other creative leaders, you’re welcome to join our LinkedIn group:
