The KUTA Creative Leaders Fellowship, an initiative of Kuta Arts Foundation in collaboration with the Afrikan Creative Hubs Network, is seeking 100+ dynamic individuals (ages 18-30 and above) who are passionate about leading, administering, and managing arts and cultural organizations across Africa.
Program Overview: This 3-month intensive online fellowship is designed to equip emerging creative leaders with essential skills in arts administration, including program management, community engagement, art education facilitation, content production, grant writing, fundraising, communications, and operational leadership. Participants will develop a foundation in these areas while learning how to build and manage teams tailored to specific artistic disciplines and community needs.
Training Structure:
- 10 hours weekly commitment
- Diverse learning formats: live sessions, recorded content, group projects, field projects, and mentorship
- Access to a network of over 120 creative hubs across South, West, and East Africa
- Certificate of Participation awarded upon completion
- Closing virtual celebration with testimonials and networking
Regional Impact & Opportunities: This fellowship addresses critical infrastructure gaps for arts and cultural development across Africa by training the next generation of creative leaders. The program recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities across different regions:
- West Africa: Rapidly expanding creative economies in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal with strong music, film, and fashion industries
- East Africa: Growing tech-creative integration in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, with opportunities in digital arts and design
- Southern Africa: Established cultural institutions in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana with heritage preservation and contemporary arts development needs
- Pan-African: Cross-regional collaboration opportunities addressing unemployment through cultural entrepreneurship
Who Should Apply: We welcome applications from creatives and professionals from ALL backgrounds, including:
- Artists (visual artists, photographers, designers, fashion creators)
- Technical specialists (web developers, content creators)
- Business professionals (accountants, lawyers, marketers, project managers)
- Students and recent graduates from any field with a passion for the creative sector
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ages 18-30 years and above
- Applicants from both African and non-African countries are welcome
- Strong passion/ commitment to developing Africa’s creative ecosystem
- Proficiency in English (speaking, reading, and writing) is mandatory
- Knowledge of additional languages (Swahili, French, Arabic, or Hausa) is advantageous
- Demonstrated interest in arts administration or creative leadership
- Commitment to attend all virtual training sessions
- Access to a reliable internet connection for online sessions
- Willingness to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: May 30, 2025
- Final Selection Notification: June 5, 2025
- Virtual Training Period: June 10 – August 30, 2025
- Abeokuta Bootcamp (for selected participants): June 1-15, 2025
Application Process:
- Application Fee: ₦20,000 or $15 USD (fully refundable if not selected)
- Required materials: Completed application form, CV, bio statement, work portfolio or web link
- Apply at: bit.ly/KutaCLF or www.kutaartsfoundation.com
- For inquiries: kutanigeria@gmail.com
Exceptional Opportunities:
- Top 10 applicants with up to 2 years of experience leading creative hubs will be invited to a specialized bootcamp in Abeokuta, Nigeria (June 1-15, 2025) hosted by Kuta Arts Foundation. Accommodation and a Stipend are provided. To be considered for this opportunity, submit your application before May 15, 2025.
- KUTA C.L. Fellowship Graduates will access remote and on-site paid/volunteer work positions with partner organizations.
- Support and funding opportunities are available for fellows interested in launching their creative hubs.
- Ongoing mentorship through monthly workshop meetings with creative hub leaders to co-develop solutions for respective hubs.
This fellowship is led by artist and arts administrator Benita Nnachortam through Kuta Arts Foundation and offers a unique pathway to leadership in Africa’s growing creative economy.
For more information and Frequently Asked Questions see:
