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Young Creative Leaders
ISTA Young Creative Leadership Programme (IYCLP)
The ISTA Young Creative Leadership Programme gives high school students (16+) a unique chance to grow as creative leaders. Through mentorship, reflection, and real-world practice, students step into leadership roles at ISTA festivals and within their own communities.
This hands-on programme is also recognised as a valuable service learning opportunity and complements existing school leadership initiatives.
Who can apply?
The IYCLP is specifically designed for high school students aged 16+ who are:
Passionate about the arts and creative leadership
Keen to make a positive impact in their school or community
Open to learning (no prior leadership experience required)
Benefits
The IYCLP is built around ISTA’s core values of creativity, collaboration, and global connection. Every experience is designed to help students grow as leaders—supported by mentors, inspired by real-world practice, and recognised with a certificate that strengthens their future pathways.
Lead with creativity - Build and apply creative leadership skills
Be mentored - Receive guidance from industry professionals
Learn by doing - Take on a leadership role at an ISTA festival
Boos your future - Earn a certificate to strengthen university and job applications
1: Self-audit
- Begin your journey with a guided reflection that helps you assess your current leadership skills, recognise your strengths, and identify areas for growth. Set clear personal goals to guide your development throughout the programme.
2: Festival leadership
- Step into action at an ISTA Middle School festival. Shadow professional artists, contribute to the ensemble, and take on meaningful leadership responsibilities that put your skills into practice in a real-world setting.
3: Retrospective
- Consolidate your learning through a final reflection. Capture your discoveries, challenges, and achievements, and consider how you will continue to grow as a creative leader in school, the arts, and beyond.
4: Completion
- Celebrate your success! On completion, you’ll be awarded the ISTA Young Creative Leader Certificate—a powerful recognition of your growth, creativity, and impact as a changemaker.
Learn more about the the IYCLP
Download the guide
How to join
Teachers simply request IYCLP places when booking a Middle School festival. Once confirmed, students complete a short application to share their interest in creative leadership and are then paired with an ISTA mentor.
Role of the Mentor
The mentor provides guidance at every stage—offering feedback during the self-audit, supporting and encouraging students throughout the festival experience, and helping them reflect meaningfully on their learning to ensure a truly rewarding journey.
Become an IYCLP Mentor
Inspire the next generation—become an IYCLP mentor. Share your expertise, guide students through their journey of reflection and real-world leadership, and empower young creatives to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
Contact our IYCLP Team
The IYCLP initiative empowers young people to lead with creativity, going real-world experience, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
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