Clore Leadership at 21: Maria Balshaw Reflects on Leadership and the Clore Fellowship Journey
Maria Balshaw CBE, one of the inaugural Clore Fellows from 2004 and now Director of Tate, shared her reflections for our 21st Anniversary event. In her heartfelt message, she looked back on her journey and the profound impact the Fellowship has had on her career and leadership.
I really could not have imagined that I would be the Director of Tate when I embarked on the Clore Leadership programme in 2004. Then, I worked on a brilliant arts education programme, Creative Partnerships, funded by the last Labour Government. Note to our Secretary of State Lisa Nandy, please support arts in the curriculum in the ways that Creative Partnerships was able to!
I was ready for leadership but unschooled and wanted the support and inspiration that Clore Leadership gave. Though all the training and strategic planning and support that the programme offers was undoubtedly part of what brought me to this position now, what really made a difference were the 25 other Fellows who formed part of my cohort, many of whom are here tonight.
I think I did know when we left the residential part of the programme that I would know these people for a long time, but to my mind it is those friendships, those networks of collaboration and support, the kind voice when one doubts one’s leadership abilities, it is that which has made the Clore Leadership Programme as influential as it is.
As a cohort we have lived through many changes. One of our number sadly passed away the year after we did our programme, we’ve had marriages and divorces, births and deaths just like any great human network would do. Those people have gone on to lead in their incredibly diverse fields. Not everyone has wanted to lead an organisation of this scale but each one of us I think has made a difference in leading in the arts and leading people well. I feel very honoured to be part of this hugely extended cohort, a group of generous and brilliant individuals who help support each other.
And I want to close by commending those brilliant people who have kept the Clore Leadership Programme going through the years. The wonderful Hilary Carty and all her team, Sue Hoyle and all who worked with her, Chris Smith who created the programme for Dame Vivien Duffield but most of all I want to thank all the people who have engaged and shaped Clore Leadership by their own leadership, all of you. I am honoured to be one of your number.
This speech was shared at Clore Leadership’s 21st Anniversary event on 17 October 2024 at Tate Modern.
Themes 21st Anniversary
