Following the success of the first two cohorts of The Creative and Cultural
Leadership Development Programme – commissioned by the University of Plymouth
and Cultivator – The Audience Agency with Mandy Berry are delighted to announce
that funding has been secured to deliver the programme to a third, and final, cohort.
Taking place from July 2022 to March 2023, the programme will incorporate
workshops, mentoring & coaching, activities led by the cohort themselves and
projects facilitated by mentors.
Jonny Dry is a film director and screenwriter and is the co-founder of the production
company Studio Erma. He was part of the first cohort of our CCLDP. For Jonny, the
leadership programme has been an opportunity to think about his wider
responsibilities to the region and its creative industries sector. “In Cornwall and the
Isles of Scilly,” he says, “although the creative sector is small relative to industry
overall, it has a very clear sense of identity. I’m increasingly conscious that my voice
is actively contributing to that.”
Jane Sutherland, Cultivator Director, comments “The importance of the Creative and
Cultural Leadership Programme for the creative industries in Cornwall and the Isles
of Scilly cannot be underestimated. We need strong leadership more than ever now,
as we face uncertainty over future investment in the development of the creative
industries.”
Mandy Berry, Programme Director, says “It has been a privilege to work with the
previous two cohorts and I really look forward to this third cohort. The importance of
the UK’s rural creative industries is becoming increasingly recognised at a national
policy level and it is vital that Cornwall has leaders who can grasp the challenges and
opportunities, grow the sector and tell and share our story within Cornwall, across the
UK and internationally.”
Patrick Towell, Project Director, says “It’s unusual in such a programme to bring
together changemakers from across funded culture, commercial media and digital
technologies. We’re consciously developing leaders to create new models of
partnerships and networks across these interconnected sectors. Only then can the
creative and cultural sector fully contribute to the wider social and economic
transformation and recovery of the region.”
“I suppose like a lot of leaders, we end up in leadership positions by default,” reflects
Angela Hatherell, co-founder of Create CIC which provides contemporary crafts
facilities, workshops and skills to the people of Cornwall – and member of the second
cohort. “This whole process has been a confidence boost for me,” she added. “I hope
I can continue to expand that and become what the programme aims to create: a
local leader in culture and creativity in Cornwall, inspiring others to be creative.”
Professor Chris Bennewith, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and
Business at the University of Plymouth says, “The University of Plymouth are
delighted to be able to support another cohort of creative leaders through the
Creative and Cultural Leadership Development Programme for Cornwall and the
Isles of Scilly. This highly successful and responsive programme continues to
develop and adapt to the needs of the sector in an everchanging landscape. The
University believes deeply in the South West’s ability to be a region that supports and
nurtures creative talent, encouraging more graduating students and businesses alike
to feel that they can stay in the area they love, and thrive there. The first two cohorts
have shown great potential, passion and talent and I look forward to seeing what the
third cohort can achieve.”
The Creative and Cultural Leadership Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Cornwall Council, Arts Council England and HM Government.
