Short Courses

To make the most of a Short Course, it is advisable to be present as much as possible. The courses are designed to be intensive learning experiences which place you in a relaxed setting that enables you to concentrate as much as possible, away from day to day distractions.  Courses begin on the Sunday evening with dinner and an informal meet-and-greet session and end on the second Friday afternoon. The formal timetable extends into the evening, with informal opportunities to talk with guest speakers over dinner, and over the middle weekend, with visits to regional arts institutions used as case studies.  An informal timetable also develops between participants who are keen to network, share experiences and work on team tasks. It is important to note that while the Short Courses are highly demanding of personal commitment and concentration, they are also great fun!  

We will ensure that the Short Courses are equally rewarding and accessible for all participants. If you are accepted onto a course, we will ask if you have any special access, learning, health, childcare or dietary needs.

I have young children and I may have difficulty attending a fortnight-long residential course.  Does this preclude me from attendance?  

No. We understand the difficulty that those with young children may have in taking part, and we will want to do everything we can to enable them to do so. On confirming a place on a Course, please discuss your individual needs with us.

Will it be possible for more than one employee from a single organisation to apply for the same Short Course?

In order to ensure as diverse a spread of people as possible, we will restrict each organisation to one person per course.  However if a large organisation has regional offices, it will be possible to take more than one, providing they come from different regions.

Can I apply if I live outside the UK ?

Yes, the Short Courses are open to EU nationals, living in or outside the UK , and to EU residents.

Am I eligible to apply?

You need to demonstrate that you have five years' paid work experience in the arts, or a related cultural field. The Short Courses have most to offer those at the top or near the top of small organisations, or those in the middle ranks of large ones.

What sort of people have been on Short Courses?

The Short Courses are designed for as wide a range of people as possible.  They have backgrounds in all kinds of artforms - opera, dance, theatre, music, libraries, museums, galleries. They have included directors of national institutions and freelancers who work on their own; promoters and producers, entrepreneurs and consultants; arts education, marketing and press specialists; officers of funding bodies and local authorities; and those with specific skills such as conservators, curators or choreographers who are moving into leadership positions. 

Can I fund myself?

Yes, but please note that we have to charge the fee that is appropriate to the size of the organisation you work for.

Is it possible to nominate myself even though I am employed?

If you are employed we will need the statement of support (Q14), even if you intend to pay for yourself.  This confirms that your employer considers you suitable for this course and agrees that you can have the time away from your post.

If the organisation I work for has charitable status does this reduce the fees?

No. As the vast majority of organisations in the arts do have charitable status, we are sorry no discounts are available.

What does the fee include?

The fee covers the cost of all teaching and tuition, course materials, trips and tickets associated with the course, all meals and refreshments (but not alcohol) and accommodation.  It does not cover travel costs to and from the venue.

Can I apply by post?

Yes, contact us and we will send you a hard copy of the application form.

Will participating on a Short Course help or hinder an application for a Fellowship?

Neither. While the Short Course is modelled on the Fellowship and touches on many of the same issues, the two schemes are completely separate.  The Short Courses are designed for a wider range of applicants for whom a Fellowship is not suitable at this moment in their career and personal development.  Participation on a Short Course may give you the taste for more learning and extending your leadership skills, so you may wish to consider, amongst many other options, applying for a Fellowship.  Please see the Fellowship section of this site for details of application criteria and necessary personal attributes.