Leadership Academy
Rare Leadership Academy is a multi-day virtual program of talks, workshops, community events and resources for underrepresented voices in the creative industries.
ApplyCo-created by senior academics, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) leaders and Rare's community of former participants, the academy equips attendees with the connections, insight, skills, and tools to not just survive, but thrive in an industry that has not been designed for them to do so.
Leadership teams of creative companies are lacking in diversity of gender, race, sexuality, ability, class and perspective—especially at the top. This has been proven to fundamentally hold back creativity and innovation, creating a situation where organisations miss out on both talent and opportunity. Rare Leadership Academy places underrepresented talent at the heart of the story, ensuring they thrive today and lead tomorrow.
This six-part virtual Leadership Academy features thought leadership, insight, and training from award-winning inclusion and belonging business Utopia, as well as talks, tutorials and performances from some of the world’s most renowned artists, activists and creative leaders. Running over the course of three weeks (two x 3-hour classes per week) the academy will cover topics spanning resilience, authenticity and purpose through to navigating the industry in a post-COVID world.
Application Form
Need support?
We understand that it can be challenging to complete a detailed application form. If you’re interested in applying but want to speak to a human, please complete the contact form so we can offer assistance.
The process
Admission to the Rare Leadership Academy is subject to a review and approval process. To apply, please complete and submit the Application form.
All fields are required unless noted with (optional).
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FAQs
Why do we need the Rare Leadership Academy?
Creative and technology departments across the country are lacking in diversity of gender, color, class, preference and perspective—especially at the top. Being a minority brings about a set of issues that many aren’t equipped to deal with, leading to great talent dropping out of the industry prematurely.
The Rare Leadership Academy aims to address these issues and give diverse talent the tools they need to thrive in the creative, tech and media industries – and to diversify and grow organisations from within.
Can I apply for different time zones and regions?
Yes, however as community is an integral part of this program we recommend applying for a session within your time zone and region, so that you get the most value out of the program.
How much creative experience is needed?
Emerging leaders with 4-5 years in the creative industry and who are in a position to institute change in their field have the most to benefit from this program.
What do we mean by the ‘creative industry’?
Commercial industries, specifically; marketing, advertising, creative technology, startups, design, animation, filmmaking, copywriting—the list goes on! Rare is not specific to any one industry, but it does touch on themes that affect this industry specifically. If you are unsure whether or not your experience fits into the industry, please fill out the contact form and we will get back to you.
I applied and didn’t get a confirmation email. What should I do?
Please check your spam folder as well as the promotions tab in your gmail. If you still have not received an email please do not apply again, fill out the contact form and we will get back to you asap with a solution.
What is the time commitment?
The program runs for three weeks with two sessions per week, followed by a graduation ceremony. Each session is three hours long.
What time and date do the sessions run?
Each week sessions are run Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please see below for the date, as well as the time zones you can select.
Asia Pacific (August 3 - August 19)
Tuesday and Thursdays 6pm-9pm (AEST time zone)
Dates include: August 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19
Asia Pacific (August 24 - September 9)
Tuesday and Thursdays 5pm-8pm (AEST time zone)
Dates Include: August 24, 26, 31, September 2, 7, 9
The Americas (September 14 - September 30)
Tuesday and Thursdays 9am-12pm (PDT time zone)
Dates include: September 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
The Americas (October 5 - October 21)
Tuesday and Thursdays 9am-12pm (EDT time zone)
Dates Include: October 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21
Europe, Middle East, Africa (October 26 - November 11)
Tuesday and Thursdays 9am-12pm (GMT time zone)
Dates Include: October 26, 28, November 2, 4, 9, 11
Europe, Middle East, Africa (November 16 - December 2)
Tuesday and Thursdays 9am-12pm (GMT time zone)
Dates Include: November 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 December 2
Do I have to attend every module?
Yes, you are required to attend 5 out of 6 modules, minimum. This is to ensure all participants get the most out of the program and do not take up space from other potential participants.
When will I be notified about my application?
Applicants will be notified as to the status of their application on the following dates:
- Asia Pacific Sessions: Week of July 19, 2021
- The Americas: Week of August 23, 2021
- Europe, Middle East and Africa Sessions: Week of October 5, 2021
Can I apply for both sessions in my timezone just in case?
We kindly ask that you apply for one preferred session within your timezone and we will contact you if we are unable to accommodate your request and require you to change your session.
Is there any pre-work?
There will be some pre-course reading alongside videos and modules for participants to complete prior to the first session.
How do I attend the live Leadership Academy modules?
You’ll receive invites to all six modules via email which contain links to the Google Hangout that you will join on the day. You’ll also be sent a Google doc containing these links.
How will the live sessions be structured?
Each Leadership Academy will be structured differently and may include some workshop activities that you’ll participate in as a group. You’ll also be sent a document with more information about each session.
What tech will be used?
All sessions are run on Google Meet. Please ensure you have Google Chrome on your laptop or device as it works best with Google Meet. If you have not used Google Meet before we recommend you hold a test session with a friend or a family member to check everything is working.
If I require specific adjustments to be made - e.g. a disability, neurodiversity, caring responsibilities - what should I do?
Rare with Google prides itself on inclusive programming and will make all reasonable adjustments to ensure the platform lives up to this expectation. If you have any specific adjustments to make your Rare experience an enjoyable one, please reach out to us via the Contact Us form and we will be happy to help.