For leaders of cultural institutions: the second intake for the "Leadership and Partnerships in Culture" program is open now

On November 9—the All-Ukrainian Day of Cultural Workers and Folk Art Masters—we are opening the second call for applications for the "Leadership and Partnerships in Culture" program. This is an opportunity for teams dedicated to preserving and developing Ukrainian cultural heritage to gain practical tools for resource mobilization, collaborating with the business sector and donors, and implementing their own projects. The training is free of charge; it begins in December 2026 and will last for three months.

The program is being implemented at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, in partnership with KSE Business School, the KSE Foundation, UNESCO, PUMB, MHP, Raiffeisen Bank Ukraine, and OTP Bank. The Recovery Support Office at the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine is working on the project.

The organizers will select up to 20 teams from across Ukraine, with two representatives from each institution. Participants will learn how to mobilize resources and build partnerships for the preservation and development of cultural heritage.

"Long-term collaboration between the cultural sector and the business community requires a shared goal, trust, and a clear action plan. Cultural institutions possess valuable ideas and experience in working with heritage, while businesses can contribute resources and management expertise. The first cohort demonstrated just how essential such a program is for cultural institutions. Teams from 15 organizations worked on their own projects, learning how to mobilize resources and build partnerships with the business sector. The second cohort incorporates the experience and feedback gained: there will be a greater focus on practical application, consultations, and audience engagement. We are working to ensure that as many teams as possible gain the knowledge, professional networks, and confidence needed to develop their institutions," - noted Tetiana Berezhna, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture of Ukraine.

Who the Program Is For

Applications are open to teams from state-owned, municipal, and private cultural institutions—including museums, heritage sites, cultural centers, memorial and arts complexes, galleries, and other organizations working with cultural heritage.

Each two-person team should collectively possess expertise in management, finance, and marketing or communications. At least one team member must hold a leadership or managerial position with the authority to make decisions regarding partnerships, resources, and project implementation.

How the Training Works

Throughout the program, teams will work on their own cultural projects, applying business tools. Instructors and mentors will assist in validating ideas and preparing projects for launch.

"Business education exists to transform the country. Cultural institutions preserve our identity, especially when it is under threat of destruction. To ensure they not only survive but also thrive, they need the very skills that help top Ukrainian companies navigate crises. Principles that work in the business world should also be effective for museums, theaters, and libraries," - notes Yulia Svyrydenko, President of KSE Business School.

Format: 11 modules, delivered both online and offline.

Teams will learn how to plan the development of their institutions, secure funding, conduct negotiations, engage with audiences, and manage teams. They will also explore the legal and accounting aspects of collaboration, assess reputational risks, and identify opportunities for international partnerships.

For the first cohort, the organizers received 88 applications from across Ukraine. The program involved 30 representatives from 15 cultural institutions. They worked on their own projects, analyzed practical case studies, and prepared for collaboration with businesses and donors.

What the teams will gain

Each team will develop a development project for their institution and prepare:

• a partnership proposal and presentation for businesses and donors;
• a budget and funding plan;
• a marketing plan;
• performance indicators to evaluate results;
• a pilot launch plan.

A pilot is the initial practical phase of a project. It helps determine whether a new cultural product will interest the audience or if a chosen partnership model will be effective. Teams will define the necessary resources, timelines, roles and responsibilities, and success criteria.

At the end of the training, participants will present their projects to a panel consisting of members of the academic community, partners, and subject-matter experts. Following this, the teams will be able to use the materials they have prepared during negotiations with businesses and donors, and proceed with launching their pilots.

What has changed in the second cohort of the program

The program team incorporated feedback from the first cohort and updated the curriculum:

• more practical work has been added;
• consulting support has been expanded;
• a dedicated module on marketing for cultural institutions has been introduced, covering audience research, institutional positioning, the selection of communication channels, and opportunities in cultural tourism.

How to apply

Applications are open until November 29 (inclusive) via the following link:https://gbs.kse.ua/liderstvo-dlia-kulturnykh-instytutsii

The application must include information about your institution, team members, and project idea. An initial concept and preliminary estimates are sufficient—a detailed budget and confirmed partners are not required at this stage. You can view the full list of required application materials at the link provided.

An online information session for all interested parties will also be held on November 13 at 13:00 via Zoom. During this session, the organizers will outline the participation requirements and the selection process, as well as answer questions.

Zoom link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86713449866?pwd=gKNxq5bv0b45nnw5L3sdwO4t3DqxfZ.1#success

Selection criteria for project proposals:

• cultural and social value of the idea,
• financial logic,
• feasibility of the pilot project,
• team capacity and motivation,
• potential for partnerships.

The organizers will notify the contact person of the selection results via email. Before the training begins, teams will receive a schedule and organizational instructions.

For questions regarding the submission of proposals, please contact Project Manager Olga Chyzhykovska at [email protected].

The educational program "Leadership and Partnerships in Culture" is implemented by the Recovery Support Office at the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, in partnership with KSE Business School, KSE Foundation, UNESCO, PUMB, MHP, Raiffeisen Bank Ukraine, and OTP Bank.