Apply now to be one of our Future Workshop Leaders, a programme where you can grow your workshop facilitation skills, boost your confidence to run workshops independently, and build a network of likeminded creative individuals.

Across our multi-year talent development programme As We Are, Might Have Been and Could Be, we have been researching the needs of our artistic and creative community, and found that a huge source of income for so many of us, regardless of the type of art we make or practice, comes from running workshops. Despite this, there is a lack of opportunity to learn best practice in this field, or gain experience in a supportive environment.  

The As We Could Be: Future Workshop Leaders Programme, funded by the Fleet Street Quarter and Freelands Foundation, is designed to help nourish the next generation of artists and facilitators, whilst also bringing new opportunities and audiences to The Arab British Centre through regular workshops and activities. Starting with a bespoke full-day training in facilitation in December, the programme will support 12 artists to develop a workshop idea and deliver it to their peers and the public in 2027.

The Future Workshop Leaders Programme will offer 12 creatives: 

• A full day of facilitation training (usually worth £370 per person), led by Aspire Leadership. A certificate will be provided and 5 CPD training hours can be awarded. This strengths-based and person-centred training will take participants through a series of practical exercises and activities, exploring the role and qualities of the facilitator, different facilitation styles and modes of adapting style and content to suit different potential employers (ie: museums, schools, charity and business).
• 1 – 1 curatorial mentoring to develop a workshop plan.
• Curatorial and promotional support to run your workshop at The Arab British Centre for the rest of the cohort and the public in 2027.
• Up to £50 materials budget to run your workshop.
• Socials/meets with your fellow Workshop Leaders.
• A certificate of completion of the Future Workshop Leaders Programme.

What is expected of you: 

• To attend the training in full, and complete all elements of the programme (certificates will be issued once you have delivered and evaluated your workshop).
• To deliver one workshop at The Arab British Centre in 2027.
• To be an active participant in the programme, contribute to the network and be supportive of each other’s workshops in 2027.
• To come with curiosity and enthusiasm.
• To be respectful of each other.

The entirety of this programme will take place at The Arab British Centre in central London, EC4A3DE. 

The participants will be chosen based on their commitment to becoming facilitators and workshop leaders sharing their craft or passion, as well as on a needs basis, whereby some people may have experienced barriers preventing them from accessing higher education or opportunities like this before. 

Bursaries are available for childcare and/or London travel for compulsory activity.  

Programme Timeline 

Open call for applications closes Sunday 8 November 2026 at 23:59 

Decisions made and selected candidates contacted by Friday 13 November 2026 

Sunday 6 December 2026 9:30am – 4:30pm – Facilitation Training Day 

8 Jan 2027 – Workshop plans submitted for feedback 

Workshops run from January – May 2027, timings to be agreed between facilitator and The Arab British Centre 

How to apply – fill in the below form by Sunday 8 November 23:59