Our Talent Development Programmes
We believe leadership development should be meaningful, practical and make a real difference. For over 30 years, our Leaders on Arts Boards programme—which is proudly supported by A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland—has helped professionals grow their skills while supporting the arts in Northern Ireland.
We place up-and-coming leaders, seasoned executives and strategic thinkers from businesses across NI onto the Boards of local arts organisations. Participants take part in a comprehensive boardroom training programme, receive one-to-one guidance and support and are matched with a cultural board that aligns with their interests and expertise.
We take the time to understand each applicant’s skills, interests and motivations to ensure the right match. This way, both the individual and the arts organisation benefit—creating value, fresh perspective, and lasting connections.
There are two programmes available
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Young Leaders on Arts Boards - our programme for people in the earlier stages of their careers, ages 21 - 35. Find out more
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Business Leaders on Arts Boards - programme for more senior, experienced managers or retired individuals. Find out more
Why should you take part?
- Because you have a passion for the arts, and a desire to work with personal impact to help the cultural sector thrive locally.
- Because you want to develop your leadership skills in a totally different, creative environment
- Because you want to extend your networks and form relationships with likeminded individuals
- Because peers in your industry who have participated all agree the experience has been profoundly enjoyable and rewarding
- Because facilitating the local arts and culture sector is a crucial part of ensuring that Northern Ireland is an attractive and enjoyable place for to live, work and play, both now and in the future.
Why do businesses encourage their staff to apply?
Businesses of all sizes regularly support their people to participate in our board matching programmes, many of them doing so faithfully each year. Businesses which have taken part in recent years include: A&L Goodbody, ASM Charted Accountants, Phoenix Energy, PwC, Dale Farm, Pinsent Masons, Education Authority NI, Arthur Cox, Invest NI, Evelyn Partners, W5, Digital Culture, Consumer Council, Belfast Harbour, Innovate Social Ltd, Sapphire Capital Partners LLP, EDG Legal, Strategic Investment Board, General Medical Council, Tourism NI, Lighthouse Communications, Lotus Properties, Ulster University, Belsonic, Connswater SC, Castle Mall, Visit Belfast, Think People Consulting Allstate, Lanyon Group, Power NI, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, NI Chamber of Commerce, Progressive, PGR Accountants, Marlborough Marketing, Cygilant, Happening, The Junction and retired business people.
Aisling Byrne Partner, A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP
“As an employer of over 140 lawyers and business support professionals in Northern Ireland, we recognise the significant value for both the employee and employer of investing in professional development; we are proud to continue our support of Arts & Business NI and what we see as an exceptionally important professional development programme.”
How do our board matching programmes benefit the arts organisation?
Hilary Copeland, Director Fighting Words NI
"As a young charity with a swiftly expanding staff team, Fighting Words NI needed to put in place good management systems and provide supportive guides to employment for our staff team. The expertise of an HR professional was exactly what we needed. We couldn’t have asked for more in a new Board Member in Bethany O’Neill: she brought professional knowledge that ensured we could satisfy the legal requirements as an employer and ensure compliance within our team, as well as provide support and guidance in her role as a trustee for me in a Chief Executive role. Since Bethany joined the FWNI Board, she has helped us put in place contractual and HR supports that help us set out the direction of growth for our organisation that aligns with our vision, and outlines the kind of employer we want to be. We are very grateful to Arts & Business NI for introducing Bethany to us via their Young Leader on Arts Boards programme."
If you would like to find out more, please email Maeve McKervey at m.mckervey@artsandbusinessni.org.uk
Information Webinar: Curious about our Leaders on Arts Boards Programme? Join our webinar to find out everything you need to know. We’ll dive into the details, discussing both the Young Leaders and Business Leaders programme tiers, covering the application process, course information, how we make board matches and the benefits of taking part > Book your spot here
Thanks to our Funders & Sponsors
The Arts & Business NI Leaders on Arts Board Programme is proudly supported by A&L Goodbody Northern Ireland LLP 
This programme is subsidised by our principal funder Arts Council of Northern Ireland 
Our Funders & Partners
Arts & Business NI is generously supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
