Nordic Ambitions – New Nordic mentoring programme to strengthen leadership in the performing arts

The programme is tailored specifically for leaders with artistic responsibility in the network’s 350 member theatres throughout Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. During the period 2023-2024, the programme will involve approximately 10 mentees who will be paired with an experienced mentor from another Nordic country. The mentorship includes meetings between the mentor pairs and networking seminars. Some content will be made accessible to theatre professionals outside the actual program.

Benny Marcel, Director of the Nordic Culture Fund, describes the new partnership:

“We believe in people connecting, even more so now that recent major global and social events have distanced us from one another. We believe that art and culture are without borders and that in times of upheaval when nations close in upon themselves, art can act as a focal point connecting us and bridging gaps.

Nordic Ambitions is shaping the future of the performing arts by connecting and supporting theatre professionals. The program creates a platform for meaningful networks and collaboration between the Nordic regions. We couldn’t be happier to support the initiative.”

Applications for Nordic Ambitions will be welcomed through an open call between 1-21 March 2023, after which 10 mentees are chosen by Nordiskt Teaterledarråd and paired with an experienced mentor from another Nordic country.

Nordic Ambitions is coordinated by The Association of Finnish Theatres. Other partners in the mentoring programme are Nordiska Teaterledarrådet, Finlands Teaterchefsförbund, Svensk Scenkonst, Norsk teater- og orkesterforening (NTO), Dansk Teater and the National Theatre of Iceland.