Applications for the 2025-2026 Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship are now open! This prestigious fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for mid-career professionals in the arts and culture sector to develop their leadership potential through an individually tailored program in the United Kingdom.
The fellowship is a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Clore Leadership, aiming to foster the next generation of cultural leaders globally.
This fellowship allows participants to learn, grow, and enhance their leadership skills through hands-on experience, mentorship, and structured leadership development.
Up to five international fellows will join approximately 20 others from the UK and around the world in this intense, transformative program.
Overview of the Fellowship
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is designed to empower individuals in the cultural field to refine their leadership skills and further their contributions to the sector.
The fellowship focuses on creating leaders in areas such as:
- Visual and performing arts
- Museums and libraries
- Archives and heritage
- Film and digital media
- Cultural policy and practice
For more than two decades, the program has provided a platform for individuals passionate about culture and the arts to enhance their leadership abilities.
Fellows gain in-depth knowledge, receive personalized mentoring, and participate in immersive experiences that help them make significant contributions to the global cultural landscape.
Key Dates and Program Timeline
| Detail | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening | September 2024 |
| Application Deadline | December 2024 |
| Fellowship Start | September 2025 |
| 1st Fellowship Residential | September 2025 |
| Return to Home Country | October 2025 |
| 2nd Fellowship Residential | May 2026 |
| Fellowship Completion | May 2026 |
During the fellowship, participants will travel to the UK for the first residential course in September 2025, return to their home countries in October 2025, and come back to the UK in January 2026 to complete the majority of their training and development. The fellowship will culminate in May 2026, with the final residential course marking the end of the program.
Fellowship Structure and Duration
The fellowship spans from September 2025 to May 2026 and includes a variety of activities and programs designed to build leadership capacity.
Participants engage in a flexible and adaptive framework that allows them to focus on their personal and professional growth.
The program is built around several core elements:
- Two Residential Leadership Courses: Fellows attend intensive leadership courses in September 2025 and May 2026 in the UK, where they will interact with experts and fellow cultural leaders.
- Skills-Based Workshops: Three day-long workshops will be held in January 2025, focusing on the practical application of leadership skills.
- Online Climate Assembly: A one-day online assembly dedicated to exploring leadership in relation to climate challenges will be held during the fellowship.
- 360° Leadership Profile: Each fellow will receive a comprehensive evaluation of their leadership style, strengths, and areas for development.
- Secondment: Fellows will undertake a secondment (internship) at a UK-based cultural institution for 4-6 weeks, allowing them to work on real-world projects in an environment different from their own workplace.
- Bespoke Learning Opportunities: Fellows can explore additional learning opportunities based on their individual interests and research areas. This includes participation in conferences, training courses, study visits, and networking events within the cultural sector.
- Mentorship: Throughout the fellowship, fellows will receive tailored support and guidance from experienced mentors who will help them navigate their personal and professional growth.
- Provocation Paper: As part of their thought-leadership development, each fellow will write a provocation paper that explores key issues and trends in their field of expertise.
- UK for the first residential course in September 2025, return to their home countries in October 2025, and come back to the UK in January 2026 to complete the majority of their training and development. The fellowship will culminate in May 2026, with the final residential course marking the end of the program.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Return to Home Country: Candidates must intend to return to their home country after completing the fellowship.
- Educational Qualifications: Applicants should hold a degree equivalent to at least a good UK second-class honors degree, or have equivalent professional experience or training.
- Work Experience: A minimum of five years of work experience in the cultural sector is required by the end of 2024.
- Sector of Work: Applicants must work in one of the following sectors:
- Visual and performing arts
- Museums, libraries, archives, and heritage
- Film and digital media
- Cultural policy and practice
- English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a strong working knowledge of English, which will be assessed through the application and interview process.
- Nationality Restrictions: Applicants cannot hold British or dual British citizenship, and they cannot be employees or relatives of employees of His Majesty’s Government (HMG), including the British Council, UK embassies, or related organizations. Additionally, individuals who have received HMG-funded scholarships or fellowships in the past five years are not eligible, unless they can demonstrate significant career progression.
The fellowship is open to individuals from a select group of countries, including:
- Brazil
- China
- Egypt
- India
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Mexico
- South Africa
Fellowship Benefits
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship offers a comprehensive package of benefits that support fellows throughout their time in the UK. These benefits include:
- Return Flights: Fellows will receive funding for up to two return economy flights between their home country and the UK. These flights are provided to allow fellows to attend the fellowship activities in the UK.
- Accommodation: While in the UK, fellows will be provided with accommodation for the duration of their stay.
- Living Expenses: Fellows will receive a stipend to cover living expenses during their time in the UK.
- Secondment: Fellows will participate in a 4-6 week secondment at a cultural institution in the UK. This provides an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a different environment, working on projects that offer new challenges and perspectives.
- Tailored Learning Plan: Each fellow will have a personalized learning plan that aligns with their goals and interests. This plan may include attending training courses, conferences, and other professional development activities within the UK.
- Mentorship and Networking: Fellows will have the chance to work with experienced mentors and connect with a broad network of cultural leaders from around the world.
- Training Costs: The fellowship covers training and development costs, as well as fees for conferences and courses attended as part of the fellowship.
- UK Travel: Travel within the UK for fellowship-related activities is covered, ensuring that fellows can participate in all aspects of the program without financial burden.
Application Process
The application process for the 2025-2026 Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship begins in September 2024 and closes in December 2024.
Interested applicants should visit the official Chevening website to apply and ensure that they meet all the eligibility criteria before submitting their application.
Applicants must provide detailed information about their educational background, work experience, and leadership aspirations in the cultural sector.
In addition to the application form, candidates may need to submit references and demonstrate proficiency in English. Successful applicants will be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
The Value of the Fellowship
Participating in the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship offers cultural professionals a unique opportunity to:
- Enhance Leadership Skills: The fellowship focuses on leadership development, providing fellows with the tools they need to become effective cultural leaders in their home countries.
- International Experience: Fellows will gain valuable international experience by living and working in the UK. This exposure to new ideas, practices, and networks helps participants broaden their horizons and enhance their cultural understanding.
- Mentorship and Networking: One of the key benefits of the fellowship is the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and mentors who can offer support, guidance, and career advice.
- Practical Learning: The secondment and bespoke learning opportunities give fellows hands-on experience that directly enhances their professional skills and expertise.
- Cultural Exchange: Fellows have the chance to contribute to and learn from the UK’s vibrant cultural scene while sharing their own cultural practices and knowledge.
Conclusion
The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is a transformative experience for mid-career professionals working in the cultural sector.
Through a combination of residential courses, workshops, mentorship, and secondments, fellows will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead effectively in their fields.
By the end of the program, fellows will return to their home countries equipped with new perspectives and enhanced leadership abilities, ready to make a lasting impact in the cultural sector.
For those interested in applying, the fellowship offers an incredible opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. With a fully funded program that covers travel, accommodation, and training costs, the Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is a rare chance for cultural leaders to refine their leadership skills in one of the world’s leading cultural hubs. Applications are open until December 2024, so apply now to be part of this prestigious fellowship.