The Clore Duffield Foundation has opened applications to the first Clore Leadership Programme – an initiative designed to produce the next generation of arts leadership.

Established last year, the programme will offer around 20 fellowships, with training beginning in September 2004.

The course will last for one year, during which Clore Fellows will attend two intensive residential leadership courses, receive individual tuition and mentoring, extend their management experience and have the opportunity to engage in reflection and research.

The scheme is being led by former secretary of state for culture, Chris Smith. “We are looking for people who will become the next generation of leaders in the cultural sector – meaning the performing and visual arts, heritage, museums, libraries and archives and cultural policy and administration,” he said.

“We don’t mind where they’re from, provided they have passion, motivation, self-awareness and proven achievement.

“We will be looking out for that imaginative spark that marks out a potential leader, someone who can innovate, energise and inspire as well as deliver.”

All tuition costs will be met by the programme – funded by Arts Council England and Re:source as well as the Clore Duffield Foundation – and those taking part will have the choice of either remaining with their current employers or receiving a full-time bursary of £20,000.

A number of fellowships, co-funded with other organisations, will be focused on specific areas, both cultural and geographical.

Applications for the first group of fellows are invited from 12 January until 20 February 2004. Details: www.cloreleadership.org