Leadership Lab - Darwin is a free, one-day, in-person event from Creative Australia designed to support Darwin-based artist and arts workers to tackle the complex, systemic challenges across the arts and culture sector.

A cross between a workshop and a conference, the Leadership Lab helps you better understand the system you’re working in, connect with peers in generative ways, and identify small but powerful actions you can test to create change. Each event is co-created by Creative Australia, and a Local Curator to celebrate and platform sector-led leadership.

At the Lab you’ll hear inspiring perspectives from featured speakers, take part in practical breakout sessions, and leave with ideas you can apply in your context, organisation or community. You don’t need to be in a formal leadership role to attend – all you need is an interest in working collaboratively on shared challenges.

Bursaries are available for independent artist to attend, and support for access costs is available.

What to expect:

A keynote presentation and a choice of breakout sessions from local and interstate presenters
Interactive activities that value your perspectives and strengths
Facilitated conversations that prioritise diverse voices
Delicious morning tea and lunch

What you’ll take away:

Fresh perspectives on the system you’re part of
New and nourished relationships across your local arts and culture community
Practical ideas for the next steps you can take
A resource pack to share with your community, collective or team

Preview the program for the Darwin event here

Presenters

Keynote speaker: Matthew Ngamurarri Heffernan

Breakout session presenters: Ayebatonye Abrakasa, Cyan Sue-Lee, Jules Gabor and Alizé Ali-Scrogings, Martin Fatmaja Hoggart and Yasmin Middleton, Shona Erskine (AFOCAL), Anna Powell (Collaboration for Impact), Euan Black (TACSI).

Local Curator: Haneen Mahmood Martin

Facilitator: Dr Ananth Gopal

This event is part of Creative Australia's Leadership Capability Program - part of Creative Australia’s commitment to building leadership capability, learning alongside the sector and testing new ways of supporting leadership practice. We’ll be visiting more locations across Australia in 2027.

Contact the host of Leadership Lab - Darwin