Providing a tangible insight into leadership at governance level in multiple leading theatres in the uk.
Our award winning ADF Board Shadowing Programme is a first of its kind initiative, taking place in arts organisations across the UK. This unique programme offers our ADF Members the exclusive opportunity to shadow a consortium of arts boards as well as the chance for arts organisations to meet potential board members in a less pressurising way. The programme won ADF the Innovation Award for The Stage Awards 2020.
The ADF Board Shadowing programme is designed to demystify the roles and responsibility of the board, broker relationships with aspiring trustees and create an even playing field for near future opportunities.
We recognise that every board varies in capacity, operation and style, therefore, our five-month programme provides 10 culturally diverse ADF members tangible experience at up-to 5 arts venues/organisations to examine what type of board is right for them.
This exchange learning programme will enable ADF members to develop skills, creative networks and grapple with real case scenarios to test out their executive decision-making skills. As well as enable organisations to assess their engagement, recruitment and board retention strategies.
We have developed a unique package of support, including shadowing time, induction sessions, building tours, governance training, networking and evaluation to ensure that our members and host organisations gain a meaningful, informative, and valuable experience which will lead to positive changes for arts organisations and for the sector as a whole.
Our Board Shadowing Programme aims to increase the diversification of boards in mainstream theatres and arts organisations across the UK by bridging the gap between culturally diverse artists and leaders and board of directors.
The new programme has been designed by the founder and artistic director of ADF, Simeilia Hodge-Dallaway who carried out a piloted version in London in 2017, in partnership with artsdepot, The Albany and Finborough Theatre.
“artsdepot is delighted to be working in partnership with ADF. By welcoming ADF members to artsdepot and sharing our working practice at senior and Board level we hope artsdepot can continue to support the next generation of artistic leaders.”
Tracy Cooper, Chief Executive
“The Board shadowing opportunity through ADF was an extremely informative and educational experience. Having access to witness and understand how executive decisions are made within a theatre institution is essential for anyone interested in working in arts leadership and artsdepot has been incredibly welcoming. Shadowing a board and the events leading up to it, has hugely demystified the work of a theatre board for me and the experience has been very accessible all throughout”.
Tessa Hart, ADF Member
“It was a great opportunity to observe how the board of a leading arts organisation operates. The Board Shadowing gave me access to information that would otherwise be unavailable to those outside of the board, and the chance to meet a group of interesting individuals. I would highly recommend getting involved”.
