Sponsored by

30 UNDER 30
Mentorship Program

Empowering the Next Generation of Cultural Leaders

The 30 UNDER 30 Mentorship Program is an initiative by Communicating the Arts that connects 30 emerging cultural professionals with 30 globally recognized mentors. This transformative program fosters leadership, innovation, and international collaboration, equipping young professionals with the tools to thrive in the arts sector.

We are delighted to have G&A as the official sponsor of the 30 UNDER 30 Mentorship Program 2025. A valued partner since 2023, G&A’s continued support over the past three years has played a vital role in empowering emerging cultural leaders from around the world.

Applications for the 2025 edition are now open and close on 4th May.

"Mentorship is key to growth for young professionals...a safe place to discuss what they are really going through" • Gretchen Coss, G&A, since 2023 •

"Mentorship is key to growth for young professionals...a safe place to discuss what they are really going through" • Gretchen Coss, G&A, since 2023 •

About the Program

The 30 UNDER 30 Mentorship Program is dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and collaboration, equipping mentees with the mentorship, skills, and exposure needed to excel in a rapidly evolving cultural sector. Since 2020, this program has empowered 90 emerging leaders while providing mentors with opportunities to share expertise, gain fresh insights, and refine their coaching skills.

The six-month program from May to November offers:

  • One-on-One Mentorship – Personalized monthly guidance from an experienced cultural leader.

  • Exclusive Masterclasses – Develop leadership, innovation, and essential soft skills, learning from experts.

  • Networking – Engage in exclusive online events with peers and mentors.

  • Industry Discussions – Gain insights from experts on pressing cultural topics.

  • Global Exposure – Expand your network and attend the Communicating the Arts Conference in Amsterdam (17-19 June, 2025).

  • Community Access – Join the 30 UNDER 30 alumni network, connecting cultural leaders worldwide.

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Is this program for you?

If you’re under 30 and passionate about advancing your career in the cultural sector, the 30 UNDER 30 program is for you. 

    • Mentees must be under 30 years old 

    • They must hold a position below GM level. 

    • They must have a minimum of 3 years of work experience. 

    • They must have a clear goal to work on with a mentor 

    • They should be willing to invest the necessary time to ensure the program's success.

  • Personalized Guidance: Receive one-on-one support and advice from experienced mentors tailored to your career goals and aspirations.

    Skill Enhancement: Gain valuable insights, knowledge, and expertise to enhance your skills and capabilities in your chosen field.

    Networking Opportunities: Connect with mentors, fellow mentees, and industry professionals to expand your professional network and explore new opportunities.

    Career Advancement: Access resources, guidance, and support to help you navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and advance your career.

    Conference Access: A free ticket for the CTA conference in Amsterdam from June 17-19, 2025.

    • Mentors must hold senior positions in their organization

    • They should be share their knowledge and network with mentees

    • They should be willing to invest the necessary time to ensure the program's success.

  • Personal Fulfilment: Share your expertise, experience, and knowledge to contribute to personal and professional growth.

    Leadership Development: Enhance leadership skills like coaching, communication, and problem-solving for career advancement.

    Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network by connecting with mentors, mentees, and industry professionals.

    Skill Development: Reflect on your skills, identify areas for improvement, and develop new competencies through teaching and guiding others.

    Conference Access: A 20% discount for registration (on the Regular Ticket price) at the CTA conference in Amsterdam from 17-19 June.

We can all learn from each other - this goes for the mentors as well! Talking with these young professionals gives us a lens into what mentees are going through in similar institutions • Gretchen Coss, Mentor 2023 •

We can all learn from each other - this goes for the mentors as well! Talking with these young professionals gives us a lens into what mentees are going through in similar institutions • Gretchen Coss, Mentor 2023 •

Program timeline

Subject to change

Kickoff & Pairing

  • Final selection of participants.

  • Mentor-mentee pairings announced.

  • Virtual introduction call to set expectations and goals.

  • Exclusive training sessions for mentors and mentees to ensure impactful engagement.

Communicating the Arts Conference in Amsterdam

  • Mentees attend the Communicating the Arts Conference at Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (17-19 June 2025).

  • Benefits: Free entry for mentees, discounted tickets for mentors.

  • A unique opportunity to engage with top cultural leaders, gain industry insights, and expand professional networks.

Masterclass #1: Leadership Unlocked

  • Discover the key principles of leadership in the arts and cultural sector.

  • Learn how to navigate challenges, build influence, and ascend the professional ladder with confidence.

Mentee Networking & Mid-Program Check-in

  • A dedicated space for mentees to connect, reflect, and strengthen their global network.

  • Facilitated discussions to share experiences, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration across borders.

Masterclass #2: Building a Powerful Digital Presence

  • Learn how to craft a compelling online identity that accelerates career growth.

  • Strategies for leveraging LinkedIn, personal branding, and digital storytelling to stand out in the industry.

Masterclass #3: Recognize your personal strengths and build your confidence

  • Simple tools and mindset shifts to help you overcome self-doubt and lead with authenticity.

Final Reflection & Program Conclusion

  • Closing session to evaluate the mentorship journey.

  • Interactive feedback discussions between mentors and mentees.

  • Insights on post-program growth and future networking opportunities

"There are so many incredible young people in the culture field who are capable of having a huge impact on the cultural world in the upcoming years" • Meghan Drascic-Gaudio, Olympic Museum, Mentee 2023 •

"There are so many incredible young people in the culture field who are capable of having a huge impact on the cultural world in the upcoming years" • Meghan Drascic-Gaudio, Olympic Museum, Mentee 2023 •

Application Process

A successful mentorship begins with the right match. Our application process is designed to align mentees with mentors based on experience, aspirations, and areas of expertise—fostering meaningful cross-generational and cross-cultural exchanges.

Application Process:

  1. Submit Your Application – Complete the online form, detailing your background, career goals, and interests.

  2. Mentor Matching – The Jury comprising Corinne Estrada, Gretchen Coss, Tirtha Giri, along with select past mentors and mentees, reviews shortlisted applications and pairs mentees with mentors based on compatibility, expertise, and career goals.

  3. Program Timeline – The mentorship runs from May to November 2025, offering structured guidance, masterclasses, and networking opportunities.

Applications for the 2025 edition close on 4th May.

Dare to try, be proactive, and connect with people, because they have a lot to share • Clémentine Marcelli, Mentee 2023 •

Dare to try, be proactive, and connect with people, because they have a lot to share • Clémentine Marcelli, Mentee 2023 •

Get Involved and join the community

Since its launch in 2020, 30 UNDER 30 has built a dynamic network of young cultural leaders and mentors from around the world. Hear from past participants and see how the program has shaped their careers.

“The 30 UNDER 30 program opened doors I never thought possible. It changed my career trajectory.”  - Past Mentee 

“Guiding my mentee was a rewarding experience, providing valuable insights into the next generation of leaders.”  - Past Mentor

Support the next generation of cultural leaders by becoming a partner of the 30 UNDER 30 program. Your contribution can help talented young professionals access mentorship, global networks, and professional development opportunities.


Benefits of Partnership:

  • Sponsor mentees to participate in the program.

  • Gain visibility at international arts events and conferences.

  • Align your organisation with a globally respected initiative in the cultural sector.

Interested in participating?

For more information, contact:

Tirtha Giri
Managing Director | 30 Under 30 Mentorship Program

Tirtha Giri is an India-based international arts manager, educator, and cultural strategist. She is dedicated to creating dynamic ecosystems that celebrate creativity while fostering cross-sector and cross-cultural collaborations. A former 30 Under 30 mentee, Tirtha is now the Managing Director of the program and aims to empower emerging leaders while cultivating a global network to strengthen the future of the cultural sector.

tirtha@communicatingthearts.org

Our past mentors

  • Aimee Davies

    Founder and Counsellor at Hey Mate
    AUSTRALIA

  • Frédéric Durand

    CEO and Co-Founder of SMARTAPPS
    FRANCE

  • Charlotte Gateau

    Head of Marketing and Communication at the Royal Dramatic Theatre Stockholm
    SWEDEN

  • Kylie Millwood

    Director Corporate Affairs at AGB Creative
    AUSTRALIA

  • Brendan Ciecko

    CEO & Founder of Cuseum
    UNITED STATES

  • Marie-Hélène Avril

    Head of Marketing, Communication and Partnerships at Cultival
    FRANCE

  • Dóra Juhász

    Director of Brand and Communications at MOME Budapest
    HUNGARY

  • Gretchen Coss

    Senior Vice-President, Strategic Partnerships at G&A
    UNITED STATES

  • Dr Natalia Grincheva

    Program Leader, BA, Arts Management at LASALLE College of Arts Singapore
    SINGAPORE

  • Elizabeth Gehde

    Director of Marketing and Communication at Queensland Museum Network
    AUSTRALIA

  • Maria Bolanos Alfonso

    Global Marketing Consultant, Freelance
    SPAIN

  • Em Blamey

    Creative Producer at Australian National Maritime Museum & Questacon
    AUSTRALIA

  • Jérome De Baecque

    APAC Director at Moment Factory
    FRANCE

  • Matteo Giovanardi

    Project Manager, International & Audience Development at Dinamico Festival; Research Fellow at University of Turin
    ITALY

  • Michèle Meier

    Director of Communications and Marketing at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal
    CANADA

  • Nikolina Olsen-Rule

    Communication Consultant at the Danish Parliament
    DENMARK

  • Michelle Tabet

    Founder and Director at Left Bank Co.
    AUSTRALIA

  • Peter Aerts

    Head of Marketing, Communication & Audiences at S.M.A.K.
    BELGIUM

  • Louisa Bartlett-Pestell

    Director of Programming and Participation at artsdepot
    UNITED KINGDOM

  • Olivia Bradley

    Director of Exhibitions at AGB Events
    AUSTRALIA

  • Philippe Rivière

    Director of Digital at Art Explora
    FRANCE

  • Shoshana Polanco

    Head of Culture at Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM
    MEXICO

  • Tristana Perroncel

    Storyteller, Cultural Project Manager and Audiovisual Artist, Freelance
    PERU, FRANCE

  • Yasmine Vatere

    Assistant Director Brand Management & Marketing, J. Paul Getty Trust
    UNITED STATES

  • Sophie Kammerer

    Head of Louvre Conseil
    FRANCE

  • Sarabeth Janzen

    Director of Institutional Philanthropy at California Academy of Sciences
    UNITED SATES

  • Susan Eldridge

    Founder, Consultant Coach and Podcast Host at Notable Values and Lecturer in Music (Entrepreneurship) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
    AUSTRALIA