Inclusive Cultures

Inclusive Cultures is a six-month disabled-led professional development programme for cultural leaders who are taking steps towards systemic change, who are ready to deepen and broaden their approach, competence and courage to contribute to and lead into inclusive culture making and transformation. The programme draws on Inclusive Leadership theories and practice and the lived experiences of D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and communities and uses coaching techniques to inform thinking and action.  
 

"I've been gently nudged to notice and explore beyond my experience and that of the sector and to ask more questions, challenge assumptions and speak out." - 2022 Participant

Who is the programme for?

• Up to 30 individuals working in any area of the cultural sector as a leader or changemaker, working in an organisation or who are freelance
• Those in any type of role – you could be an artist, producer, be in a senior management role, communications or other, the learning is relevant to any role.
• Those who want to achieve inclusive change in and through a project, organisation or the cultural sector
• Those who want to work with peers to ask better questions and achieve personal, organisational and sector transformation for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people and for the benefit of all excluded people and communities
• For those ready to learn from disabled leaders and a group of peers with diverse professional and lived experience
• For those ready to commit fully to the programme

What does Inclusive Cultures entail:

4 days, delivered online, all sessions are 10.00-12.30 and 2.00-4.30

June 16th 

July 21st

Sept 29th

Oct 20th 

Alongside these sessions those taking part are encouraged to explore and try out their learning in their own context, as well as to find opportunities to connect with others taking part in the programme. Participants are also asked to consider writing a blog or learning reflection to share their insights, refreshed perspectives and ways forward as part of a wider conversation about culture change. 

You can read blogs from previous participants here. 
 

"The programme has been so powerful for me. The value of the relationships made, the wisdom shared, insight illuminated through the seminars and the coaching sessions has been life changing." - 2022 Participant
 

Cost

For 2023, the following programme fee bands will apply.

• Large organisations 250+ employees £175
• Organisations up to 250 employees £125
• Freelancers £75

We do not wish for the cost to be prohibitive so if this is a barrier for you please get in touch with us before making your application.
 

Programme Content

4 morning Seminars exploring:

• The latest research in shaping fearless, psychologically safety and care practices for people, their organisations and projects.
• The Social Model as a tool for now, the colonial roots and implications of ableism/disablism and interpellation.
• Spaces, places and intersectional perspectives, hierarchies of need and claiming, sharing, caring and care and distributing or relinquishing power.
• Solutions from our 30 leaders – shaping the way forward in dynamic ways in an inclusive leadership frame.

4 afternoon Small group action learning/ coaching:

• small groups with a coach to consider the seminar content
• using action learning to explore and find solutions with others and help you activate your learning
   

Access

We will work with participants to understand and support access requirements. If you have any questions or concerns about accessing the programme, please contact us. 
 

Delivery team

Inclusive Cultures is led by 6 disabled professional artists and coaches. The programme was originally devised in 2021 by Diverse City and Clore Diversity Associate, Sarah Pickthall and a team of disabled coaches. 
 

How do I apply?

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Application questions:

1. How would you describe the work you are currently doing to achieve inclusive cultures for yourself, your project(s), organisation or community?

2. What barriers or challenges have you discovered in this work and what have you tried so far?

3. What would you like to think about and work on during your time on the programme?
 

We will let you know if your application has been successful beginning of June 2023.
 

Selection criteria - what are we looking for?

• Evidence of your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Willingness to reflect upon and share your insights, ideas and visions and to learn from others about ending ableism
• Ability to commit to the full programme. We believe in the importance and potential of peer working and everyone having an equal chance to benefit from this. Being part of the programme is about being responsible to the group.

More information and support

If you have further questions or would like support in making your application you can contact us.