For сultural institution leaders: applications open for the second cohort of the «Leadership and partnerships in culture» program
On November 9, marking the All-Ukrainian Day of Cultural Workers and Folk Art Masters, applications open for the second cohort of the “Leadership and Partnerships in Culture” program. The program offers teams dedicated to preserving and developing Ukraine’s cultural heritage an opportunity to gain practical tools for attracting resources, building partnerships with businesses and donors, and implementing their own projects. Participation is free of charge. The three-month program will begin in December 2026.
November 9, 2026
Reading time: 7 min
The program was initiated by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine in partnership with KSE Business School, KSE Foundation, UNESCO, First Ukrainian International Bank (FUIB), MHP, Raiffeisen Bank Ukraine, and OTP Bank. The Recovery Support Office under the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine is responsible for its implementation.
The organizers will select up to 20 teams from across Ukraine, with two representatives from each institution. Participants will learn how to secure resources and develop partnerships to preserve and advance cultural heritage.
Lasting cooperation between the cultural sector and businesses requires a shared purpose, trust, and a clear plan of action. Cultural institutions bring valuable ideas and expertise in working with heritage, while businesses can contribute resources and management expertise. The first cohort demonstrated just how important a program like this is for cultural institutions. Teams from 15 institutions developed their own projects, learned how to attract resources, and built relationships with businesses. The second cohort builds on their experience and feedback, offering more hands-on work, consultations, and opportunities to engage with audiences. We want as many teams as possible to gain the knowledge, professional connections, and confidence they need to develop their institutions
Tetiana BerezhnaDeputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine and Minister of Culture of Ukraine
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to teams from state-run, municipal, and private cultural institutions, including museums, heritage reserves, cultural centers, memorial and cultural complexes, galleries, and other organizations working with cultural heritage.
Each two-person team must collectively have expertise in management, finance, and marketing or communications. At least one team member must hold a leadership or management position with the authority to make decisions regarding partnerships, resource allocation, and project implementation.
How the Program Works
Throughout the program, teams will develop their own cultural projects using business tools and approaches. Faculty members and mentors will help participants validate their ideas and prepare their projects for launch.
Business education exists to transform the country. Cultural institutions preserve our identity at a time when others are trying to destroy it. To not only survive but also grow, they need the same skills that enable Ukraine’s leading companies to navigate crises. What works in business should also work in museums, theaters, and libraries
Yulia SvyrydenkoPresident of KSE Business School
Format: 11 modules combining online and in-person learning.
Teams will learn how to plan institutional development, secure funding, negotiate partnerships, engage audiences, and manage teams. They will also explore the legal and accounting aspects of partnerships, assess reputational risks, and identify opportunities for international collaboration.
The first cohort attracted 88 applications from across Ukraine. A total of 30 representatives from 15 cultural institutions participated in the program. They developed their own projects, examined real-world cases, and prepared to work with businesses and donors.
What Teams Will Gain
Each team will develop a project aimed at advancing its institution and prepare:
● A partnership proposal and presentation for businesses and donors;● A budget and funding plan;● A marketing plan;● Key performance indicators to measure results;● A pilot launch plan.
A pilot is the first practical stage of a project. It allows teams to test whether a new cultural offering resonates with its target audience or whether a proposed partnership model works in practice. Teams will identify the necessary resources, timelines, responsibilities, and success criteria.
At the end of the program, participants will present their projects to a panel of representatives from academia, program partners, and sector experts. Teams will then be able to use the materials they have developed in negotiations with businesses and donors and move forward with launching their pilots.
What’s New in the Second Cohort
Based on feedback from the first cohort, the program team has introduced several improvements:
● More hands-on learning and practical assignments;● Expanded consultation support;● A dedicated module on marketing for cultural institutions, where participants will explore their audiences, define their institutions’ positioning, select communication channels, and examine opportunities in cultural tourism.
How to Apply
Applications are open through November 29, 2026 (inclusive), via the following link.
The application must include information about your institution, team members, and project idea. An initial concept and preliminary estimates are sufficient at this stage. A detailed budget and confirmed partners are not required.
The complete list of required application materials is available here.
An online information session will also take place on November 13 at 1:00 p.m. (Kyiv time) via Zoom. The organizers will explain the participation requirements and selection process and answer questions from prospective applicants.
Zoom link.
Project applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:● Cultural and social value of the proposed idea;● Financial rationale;● Feasibility of the pilot;● Team capacity and motivation;● Partnership potential.
The organizers will notify applicants of the selection results by email, using the address provided by the designated contact person. Before the program begins, selected teams will receive the training schedule and organizational instructions.
For questions about the application process, please contact Project Manager Olha Chyzhykovska at .au.gro.esk%40aksvokyhzyhco
The “Leadership and partnerships in culture” educational program is implemented by the Recovery Support Office under the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine in partnership with KSE Business School, KSE Foundation, UNESCO, First Ukrainian International Bank (FUIB), MHP, Raiffeisen Bank Ukraine, and OTP Bank.
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