Cultural leadership

sampad believes that good leadership can harness a thriving cultural sector. We manage intensive leadership development programmes as well as seminars to explore issues associated with leadership development.

We have led two successful leadership projects, Aarohan, and Aarohan-Ahead, both supported by Arts Council England’s Cultural Leadership Programme. Following on from the successful and inspiring Aarohan leadership development programme for emerging leaders within the arts/cultural and creative sector, Aarohan-Ahead brought the lessons and innovations to a new programme.

Aarohan-Ahead, aimed to provide a framework for the growth and support of senior, established and mid-career cultural leaders. By providing tailored development opportunities, Aarohan-Ahead improved and increased the number and quality of leaders working in the South Asian creative and cultural sectors.

The programme included:

• Individualised Development Needs Analysis
• Visioning Retreats – exploring key themes affecting the cultural sector, meeting inspiring individuals and organisations
• Interaction with established national and international leaders in the cultural field
• Signposting of new career opportunities
• Entrepreneurial challenges – exploring strategic themes through pragmatic action

Throughout the rich 18-month programme, Aarohan-Ahead retained and strengthened talented senior cultural leaders within the sector and inspired them to articulate and achieve their visions and ambitions in a supportive and developed network of organisations and agencies across the country.

We hope to provide more opportunities for leadership development in the future, and will announce them here.

Following the Aarohan Ahead programme, we produced a collection of essays from participants and tutors. You can browse the book below. To order a free copy please email info@sampad.org.uk