The Clore Fellowship is a flagship leadership development programme designed for exceptional leaders working across the cultural sector. Delivered by Clore Leadership, the Fellowship supports individuals with ambition, vision, and the potential to shape the future of arts, culture, and heritage through reflective, experience-based learning. Each year, approximately 24 Fellowships are awarded to leaders working across areas including visual and performing arts, museums, libraries, archives, heritage, film, digital media, and cultural policy and practice. The programme is not taught in a traditional classroom format; instead, it is grounded in real-world leadership experience, contemporary leadership theory, and deep self-reflection. Overview of the Clore Fellowship The Clore Fellowship is a tailored, self-directed leadership journey that runs from September 2026 to May 2027. While the programme has a formal structure, its themes, content, and direction are personalised to each Fellow’s development needs. The Fellowship places strong emphasis on understanding personal leadership identity, values, behaviours, and impact. Learning is shaped through reflection, dialogue with peers, exposure to diverse leadership perspectives, and engagement with complex challenges facing the cultural sector. What the Fellowship Is – and Is Not The Fellowship is: A self-directed programme shaped by individual learning goals Strongly focused on self-reflection and leadership practice An opportunity to step outside comfort zones and explore leadership identity A space to engage with complex, sector-wide leadership challenges A cohort-based experience with peers from diverse cultural fields The Fellowship is not: A business management or creative enterprise course A formal training programme, qualification, or accredited award Programme Structure and Learning Components The Fellowship combines residential learning, independent development, and collaborative inquiry. Core elements include: Two residential programmes (5–10 days each), including facilitated sessions, guest speakers, and peer learning Skills-based workshops focused on leadership practice and strategy Fellows’ Assembly, connecting UK and international leaders around global leadership issues 360° leadership profile to support self-awareness and development Secondment of 6–8 weeks in a UK-based cultural organisation outside the Fellow’s usual field Mentor or coach support throughout the Fellowship Provocation piece, involving independent research on a leadership topic of choice Collaborative enquiry project, presented during the second residential Residential learning explores topics such as authenticity, inclusive leadership, governance, strategy, finance, impact, influence, wellbeing, and restorative leadership practice. Funding, Costs, and Financial Support Most Clore Fellowships are fully funded, supported by a range of funding partners. Funded Fellowships include: Tuition and programme materials Travel, accommodation, meals, and refreshments for residentials and workshops Mentor or coach support Development budget of up to £4,000 for individual learning activities Access budget for D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent Fellows, or those with caring responsibilities Central support from the Clore Leadership team In addition, UK-based Fellows may receive a £14,000 bursary to support time away from work, paid either to the Fellow or their employer, as appropriate. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must demonstrate the following: A minimum of 7 years’ experience in a leadership or change-making role in arts and culture For Excellerate Fellowships (early-career leaders), 5 years’ experience is required Clear ambition to lead and evidence of meaningful impact Strong commitment to the cultural sector and its wider social context Self-awareness, curiosity, and openness to learning Capacity to influence practice or policy within organisations or the wider sector Willingness to share learning with others Some Specialist Fellowships may have additional criteria. International Fellowships For the 2026/27 cohort, a limited number of International Fellowships are available through global partnerships for applicants from: India South Africa Jordan Lebanon Mexico China Egypt Brazil Applicants to the Chevening Clore Fellowship must complete their Fellowship entirely in the UK, with two extended periods of residence between September 2026 and May 2027. Key Dates and Application Timeline Applications Open: Thursday, 8 January 2026 Stage 1 Deadline: Thursday, 5 February 2026 (12:00 noon) Stage 2 Applications: 6–26 March 2026 Interviews: April–May 2026 Fellowship Decisions: Late June 2026 Mandatory programme dates include residentials in September 2026 and May 2027, with workshops and assemblies scheduled between. Conclusion The Clore Fellowship offers a rare opportunity for cultural leaders to deepen their leadership practice, expand their influence, and connect with a powerful network of peers. Fully funded and rigorously reflective, the programme supports leaders ready to challenge themselves and contribute meaningfully to the future of culture. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the official organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.