Powerbrokers

Acknowledging the significant absence of managers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds in leading, decision-making positions in creative and cultural institutions, the CLP invested in Powerbrokers, which offered professional development opportunities, placements and leadership initiatives for BAME professionals across the sector.

Through its two strands - Leadership Pathways and International Leadership Placements – Powerbrokers aimed to tackle this under-representation by equipping BAME cultural leaders with the skills and attributes for success, raising the profile of existing BAME leaders to strengthen the visibility of role models, and highlighting issues of sustainability, progression and renewal for mid-career leaders.

Beverley Mason and Maureen Salmon, who led the two Powerbroker’s strands, explain the aims and ambitions of their programmes, and we hear from a number of participants about the direct impacts resulting from their involvement.   Padma Rao and Delia Barker describe their international placement experiences, and the benefits these have brought, while Samina Zahir and William Wong reflect on the power of working with a mentor, and the value of diversity in bringing more rounded understandings and insights to leadership.