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The first international mentorship program in the Arts

The 30 UNDER 30 mentoring program, created by Communicating the Arts, supports the growth of emerging leaders in the cultural sector.

This program connects cultural professionals under 30 with experienced industry leaders. Its aim is to foster collaboration and inclusive growth, giving mentees the tools, guidance and exposure they need to succeed in a fast-changing sector. Over the years, the program has helped young professionals build their careers, while mentors share their expertise, gain fresh perspectives and strengthen their coaching skills.

Each year, 30 talented professionals are paired with 30 globally recognised mentors from the Communicating the Arts network. The program offers a unique development opportunity, combining one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced leader outside the participant’s organisation, along with group workshops to share ideas and learn as a cohort.

“The 30 UNDER 30 mentoring program has had a significantly positive impact on my career.”

— Former MENTEE

"Supporting young professionals is at the core of our mission and a daily responsibility. Our program welcomes participants from all continents and fosters diversity by crossing nationalities, generations and expertise." • Corinne Estrada, founder of Communicating the Arts •

"Supporting young professionals is at the core of our mission and a daily responsibility. Our program welcomes participants from all continents and fosters diversity by crossing nationalities, generations and expertise." • Corinne Estrada, founder of Communicating the Arts •

Highlights

The program offers a unique professional development experience through one-on-one coaching, digital masterclasses with leading experts, collaborative workshops, and access to the Communicating the Arts conference.

Feedback from past participants highlights the program’s impact:

  • 100% of mentees reported progress towards their goals

  • 100% of mentors found the experience rewarding and enriching

  • 100% of mentees felt well matched with their mentor

  • 100% of mentees moved into new or expanded roles during the program

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

— Former MENTEE

Benefits

The program offers a unique professional development experience through one-on-one mentoring, individual coaching, digital masterclasses with leading experts, and access to the Communicating the Arts conference. Participants gain valuable insights, expand their networks across the cultural sector, and showcase their work on an international stage. The 30 UNDER 30 program runs from May to December 2026 and includes mentorship, masterclasses and global exposure. This program provides a strong platform for professional growth. Benefits include:

    • Monthly one-on-one virtual mentoring sessions

    • One individual coaching session with Michele Meier, ICF Certified Leadership Coach

    • Five digital masterclasses with industry leaders

    • A collaborative mentee-led case study

    • Regular peer catch-ups with fellow mentees

    • Access to the alumni network (mentees since 2021)

    • Private access to the mentee WhatsApp group

    • Complimentary pass to attend Communicating the Arts, Ottawa (13–16 October 2026)

    • Invitations to local events in Sydney, Paris and New York

    • A featured profile on the Communicating the Arts website

I found more clarity in my work, found new friends among the cohort of mentees and expanded networks

I found more clarity in my work, found new friends among the cohort of mentees and expanded networks

Applications

Who should apply

If you’re under 30 and passionate about advancing your career in the cultural sector, the 30 UNDER 30 program is for you. Join a global cohort of emerging professionals shaping the future of the arts.

Application process

  1. Submit the online application (CV and a short motivation letter) by 31 May 2026

  2. Successful applicants will be matched with mentors in May, with pairings announced at the end of the month

  3. The program runs from June to December 2026 and is limited to 30 mentees

Eligibility

Applicants must be under 30 at the time of applying, have at least three years’ experience in the cultural sector, and work in visual arts, performing arts, heritage, or the wider creative industries.

Apply now
Apply now

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

— MENTOR

Masterclasses

As part of the program, participants gain access to a series of masterclasses led by industry experts. These sessions explore key topics shaping the cultural sector, including leadership, innovation and emerging opportunities.

Topics include:

  • Finding your strengths

  • Innovation in leadership

  • Opportunities in the creative industries

  • Working with AI

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Collaboration in Asia

Masterclasses are delivered by leading professionals from across the global cultural sector, including:

  • Jon Blackburn, CFO and Executive Director, Corporate Services, Sydney Opera House (Australia)

  • Gretchen Coss, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, G&A (USA)

  • Stéphane Roisin, Director, Moment Factory (Paris)

  • Dr Natalia Grincheva, Program Leader, Arts Management, LASALLE College of the Arts (Singapore)

Guiding my mentee was a rewarding experience, providing valuable insights into the next generation of leaders.

Guiding my mentee was a rewarding experience, providing valuable insights into the next generation of leaders.

Mentors

Mentors and coaches provide confidential advice and support. They hold senior leadership roles in organisations across the cultural sector, including visual arts, performing arts, heritage and the wider creative industries. All mentors are carefully selected from the Communicating the Arts network.

To ensure meaningful partnerships, mentors and mentees are thoughtfully matched by a jury, bringing together different generations, nationalities and backgrounds.

Mentor benefits include training guidelines, regular mentor meet-ups, invitations to special events, a profile on the Communicating the Arts website and social channels, access to the alumni network, and a 20% discount on registration for the Communicating the Arts conference.

30 under 30
Alumni

The 30 UNDER 30 program has brought together an inspiring global community of mentees and mentors. Below is the full list of participants since 2021.

Interested in participating as a mentee?

For more information, contact:

Tanisha Gandhi
30 Under 30 Mentorship Program

Tanisha Gandhi studied Art History and holds a Master’s degree and an MBA in the Contemporary Art Market. Her experience spans India, Canada, Italy and France and she is now based in Paris. She works in culture and enjoys organisation and creative project support. Her freelance work includes research, writing, event coordination and content development for cultural platforms. She is also the founder of Artha, a platform that represents contemporary South Asian art and shares it with wider audiences in Europe.

tanisha@communicatingthearts.org

Partner with us to support mentees

Support the next generation of cultural leaders by partnering with the 30 UNDER 30 program. Your contribution helps emerging professionals access mentorship, global networks and career development opportunities.

Partnership benefits

  • Sponsor mentees from your organisation

  • Align your organisation with a global initiative in the cultural sector

  • Gain recognition across 30 UNDER 30 communications

  • Receive complimentary access to the Communicating the Arts conference and events

Become a partner
Become a partner