Artistic Directors of the Future

Dedicated to creating change at leadership level in mainstream theatre

Become a Host

BE THE CHANGE

Our mission is to increase the representation of Black, Asian or ethnically diverse arts leaders. ADF works in partnership with leading theatre & live performance organisations to deliver a bespoke programme of workshops, events and professional development initiatives that demystify the roles of leadership positions, generate access to positions of authority and cultivate career development opportunities. If your organisation has a keen interest to expand existing networks and, diversity in its workforce or support our mission, you can partner on any of our programmes, events and workshops.

A brochure will be available in August.

Brochure coming soon
Meet the Programmers
Meet the Programmers is a speed networking event designed to connect Black, Asian or ethnically diverse creatives with the decision-makers in theatre and live performance. This is also an opportunity for organisations to expand beyond their existing networks and engage with our members.
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Starting a Theatre Company

This 2 day (or 4 half-day online) interactive taster workshop will supports members to prepare for starting their dream company. By the end of the workshop, they will have written their mission statement, chosen their legal structure, created a 3-year activity plan and set their short term and long term goals.
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Applying for Leadership Positions

Through presentations, workshop tasks, and the opportunity to ask questions attendees will review their job application and interview skills. Led by guest organisations the session will cover what makes an ‘ideal’ candidate and the essential skills/experiences required for arts senior management roles.
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Board Shadowing Programme
Become hosting organisation on our award-winning programme, designed to demystify the roles and responsibilities of the board, broker relationships with aspiring trustees and create an even playing field for near-future opportunities. Organisations receive training and have the opportunity to meet potential trustees.
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Artistic Directors Lab
Artistic Directors Lab is a one-day interactive workshop for creatives to gain a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of an Artistic Director beyond programming. The session is led by an Artistic Director (or Creative Director) of an arts organisation who provides a task for 3 groups.
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Leadership Lab
Leadership Lab is a 6-week interactive programme (one day per week) for creatives and theatre professionals to gain deeper insight into the responsibilities of various senior positions within arts organisations. We partner with 3 organisations that set tasks for the participants, to develop and present ideas each week.
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Routes In
Routes In is an informative Q & A. This is an opportunity for members to gain more insight into the development opportunities organisations have to offer to creatives and other arts professionals, how they operate and how to approach them with productions, projects, scripts etc.
Request info

Diverifying Arts Boards Conference
Our Diversifying Board Arts Boards conference is an action-driven 5-week conference that connects Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse members with senior executives from theatre & live performance organisations to stimulate action and create lasting change. The conference includes workshops, talks & discussions.
See past event
Up Next
UP NEXT is designed to hand over power and resources to visionary Black, Asian & Ethnically Diverse people within established theatre organisations. To date, we have partnered with Bush Theatre, Strike A Light and Battersea Arts Centre, which led to the appointment of Tarek Islander as Artistic Director at BAC.
See the current Up Next programme

ADF is kindly supported by Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Aziz Foundation.