Candoco Fellow
The Fellowship is a deliberate challenge to the sector’s tendency to separate artistic and organisational leadership. We believe the most powerful leaders in dance are creatively driven and entrepreneurially minded in equal measure, and this programme is designed to find and nurture exactly that.
Candoco has recently reimagined its organisational structure and no longer operates with a traditional Artistic Director role. Instead we are building an ecosystem where creative leaders can be developed and supported. The Candoco Fellow is a key part of that vision. We are piloting this approach, learning as we go, and building something new together.
The Fellow’s learning journey will be shaped collaboratively with the Lead: Skills & Leadership, who will provide line management and professional development support. Through this experience, the Fellow will develop the skills, confidence, and networks to take on creative leadership roles in the arts sector.
This is about building your capacity as a creative leader while contributing your voice, vision, and expertise to Candoco’s work. This opportunity is for experienced practitioners ready to step into leadership, not an entry-level programme.
During the 12 month tenure the Fellow will develop and deliver an independent project that combines personal exploration with a meaningful contribution to Candoco and the wider dance sector . This is a period of research, exploration and innovation rather than the creation of a finished performance work.
The Fellow will also lead the creative development of Making Space, Candoco’s podcast, working closely with the host and Lead: Access and Equity to shape each series and bring their own artistic perspective to what the podcast explores and who it speaks to.
Alongside this, the Fellow will contribute thought pieces to the Candoco blog, reflecting on their learning journey and sharing their perspective on leadership with the wider arts sector.
How to apply
To apply, we’d like you to answer the following questions:
1 Why Candoco Fellowship now?
At this stage in your career, why is this Fellowship important to you, and how do you see it supporting your development as a creative leader?
2 What kind of leader are you becoming?
How would you describe your current leadership practice? What specific areas, skills or knowledge do you want to develop during the Fellowship (e.g. artistic leadership, organisational leadership, strategic thinking, mentoring, sector influence)?
3 Your perspective on disability, dance and change
Drawing on your lived experience and professional practice, what perspectives on disability and dance do you feel are most urgent to advance, and how do you want to influence the sector through your leadership?
4 Working relationally within Candoco
As part of the Fellowship, you will work closely with the Candoco team across all programme pillars. Can you describe a time when you worked collaboratively? What contributed to its success, what challenges arose and what would you bring to working with the Candoco team?
5 Understanding organisations and future direction
What do you hope to learn about how arts organisations operate, and how might this shape your future career?
6 Independent project proposal
Outline your idea for the independent project you would like to develop during the Fellowship. (Please refer to the Job Pack Key Project Description in the download).
Submitting your application
You can submit written answers to the above questions, or by video, audio or any other alternative method using our application form. Please include a CV / up to date LinkedIn profile or any alternative version of your professional history.
Equal Opportunities
On submitting your application, please also confirm completion of our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.
Deadline
The deadline for applications is 11am, Monday 22 June 2026.
We will inform shortlisted applicants by 1 July 2026. We will hold interviews on 14 & 15 July 2026. A second stage interview, if needed, will take place during the week commencing 20 July 2026.
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