Empowering Leaders in Buckinghamshire’s Creative & Cultural Sector
Creative Catalyst – Empowering Creative Leaders in Bucks
We’re delighted to launch Creative Catalyst, a new mentoring programme for Buckinghamshire’s creative and cultural sector. The programme is designed to give emerging, established and aspiring leaders the space, tools and support they need to develop their skills, explore challenges, and build confidence in leading projects that make a real difference in local communities.
Over a period of 6–12 months, each participant will be paired with a mentor who can provide tailored, one-to-one guidance. This support will be aligned to a project or challenge the participant is facing, ensuring the mentoring is practical, relevant and directly useful. Alongside this, the programme will provide opportunities to take part in training sessions, networking events and peer support activities, helping participants to grow their professional connections and broaden their perspectives.
Creative Catalyst is open to those at all stages of leadership:
- Emerging leaders keen to develop new skills and take on greater responsibility.
- Existing leaders looking for fresh perspectives, guidance and support.
- Aspiring leaders who may not yet identify as leaders but are motivated to grow and contribute to the sector.
The programme aims to strengthen leadership across Buckinghamshire’s arts, culture and heritage sector, with a focus on building capacity for inclusive, community-led practice. By fostering new connections and providing targeted support, it will empower participants to deliver projects that are accessible, impactful and forward-looking.
With the generous support of the Rothschild Foundation and Heart of Bucks, the costs of mentors, training and networking will be covered, with some additional travel support available.
Applications open 7 October 2025.
