The development program “Kultuuriliider,” designed for leaders of cultural institutions, has commenced again in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Estonia and the Visionest Institute. This marks the third iteration of the program, which aims to enhance leaders’ daily effectiveness and improve team performance while nurturing new leaders for the future.
“Kultuuriliider” is an intensive program tailored for ambitious professionals in the cultural sector, representing a rich tapestry of fields and regions. This year, 15 outstanding leaders were chosen from over 70 applicants, reflecting a powerful interest and need for transformative training.
What do participants hope to gain from the program? One participant noted, “I’m interested in topics related to performance evaluation and management, as well as applying strategy in complex organizational structures. I’m also looking forward to learning about foreign funding and HR topics and networking with colleagues.”
Another participant expressed interest in new trends, exchanging experiences with colleagues, and maintaining a positive environment: “I want to know how to keep the team’s spirits up and what can be done to keep my colleagues’ eyes shining.”
The cultural sector faces multiple challenges, from digitalization to changes in funding models. “Kultuuriliider” creates a synergy to find innovative solutions together. It serves as a platform to build valuable connections across fields—a benefit that past participants have rated highly.
Compared to previous rounds, the program format has been refined. From the beginning, participants visit the workplaces of other cultural leaders in the program to gain insights into the everyday operations and environments of these institutions. Leaders also share their experiences of their organizations and teams, allowing participants to apply new knowledge directly in their real work environments.
After the first module, participants were very satisfied with the group dynamics. The experiences shared by last year’s graduate, Triin Soone, head of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, were highly valued. She noted that the meetings and discussions among group members generated valuable insights and fresh ideas. One outcome has been the formation of a literary cluster to enhance the visibility and impact of the field.
Graduates of the program report that it has helped them rediscover the joy of work, deriving from a sense of purpose, while their teams have become more unified, motivated, and effective thanks to more knowledgeable leadership. “The program allowed me to structure various aspects of my organization and provided me with a wealth of leadership tools that I have already begun to use,” shared one graduate.
Furthermore, “Kultuuriliider” has contributed to career transitions—nearly a third of participants have moved into new positions. For instance, Anne-Li Päiv, who previously worked as an executive assistant at the Russian Theatre, is now the theater’s director.