One of the biggest strengths of Rising Arts Agency and within BE IT is the idea of the radical potential of collectives. With multiple people working together who hold the same values you can amplify multiple voices and have a natural source of support. Rethinking leadership to be a collaborative effort rather than all on the shoulders of one flawless individual also opens up the possibility for more transparency (see Transparency) and care between each other (see Radical Care).
Kiara Corales, Cohort 1
One member of the cohort founded a collective inspired by their Experiment placement as part of this programme, another joined whilst just after co-founding one and another has gone on to found one after receiving funding after the end of the programme. It’s clear that finding shared identities or missions can enable spaces of collaboration that can transform the sector and society.
Ella Trudgeon, Cohort 1
It’s just a great programme, it’s got that baseline of being a course but there’s so much more to it and being part of the group and being able to hold that space during a pandemic is amazing. I don’t know if the team get enough credit in their work and how they held that space, it’s been really important and a great programme.
cohort 1 interview
Rhona Oughton, Cohort 2
I have learnt that group reflection is really useful, having that sound boarding, it’s really great to realise that people are feeling the same way you are feeling and unpacking things together and they will bring up things you haven’t thought of which is great.
cohort 2 interview
Kiara Corales, Cohort 1
If you are working on something with a group of people everyone will have different strengths, so it’s better if we use everyone’s skills and everyone has a role as a leader, in a more collaborative way so we are all leading each other.
cohort 2 interview