News

Applications Open: CCL Benelux 2023

Applications are now open for Creative Climate Leadership (CCL) – a programme that empowers artists and cultural professionals to take action on the climate and ecological crisis with impact, creativity, and resilience. It has been designed to mobilise and connect a creative climate movement. CCL has been developed by the internationally recognised charity Julie’s Bicycle.

CCL Benelux 2023 will be held at Koningsteen Centre in Belgium from 27 – 31 March 2023 (arrivals Sunday, 26 March). The state of Koningsteen (King’s Stone) in Flanders was owned by painter Alexandre Thomas in the 19th century, and it is said to have inspired Flemish poet and mystic Hadewijch in the early Middle Ages. Today, the Koningsteen hosts eco-friendly and environmentally responsible retreats, residentials and workshops.

Full info below. Application deadline [extended]: 25 January, 11.59pm GMT.

APPLY NOW

VIEW THE APPLICATION FORM

READ THE FAQs


What is Creative Climate Leadership?

During the program, participants will learn from and engage in conversation with invited guests, such as global change scientists, organisational change and participatory experts. Together you will develop an up-to-date picture of creative climate action and develop the leadership skills and networks to lead artistic practice and institutions for transformative climate action.

CCL Benelux offers:

  • An inspiring 5 day program of leadership and peer-to-peer exchange for 24 talented and motivated participants living and working in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
  • A powerful opportunity to cross collaborate and develop creative ideas in a serene environment.
  • An opportunity to develop and/or scale up cultural leadership on climate action and justice.
  • An impressive network of international CCL alumni.

Who is it for?

CCL is for performing, visual, media, music, and other artists; cultural workers including producers, presenters, curators, administrators, funders, policy makers, and others who are ambitious and passionate about using their cultural and creative expertise in service to the ecological crisis and climate justice. All successful applicants will be expected to be active participants and share their knowledge, skills and experiences.

We are looking for people who:

  • Recognise climate change as an urgent challenge, and are passionate and driven to enable change.
  • Want to have an influence beyond their individual organisation/artistic practice.
  • Have a vision for what they’d like to change and can demonstrate potential to make that change.
  • Have the desire to advocate for the importance of culture in responding to this issue.
  • Are interested in challenging conventional ideas about leadership.

All applicants must be based in and/or working in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.


Key dates:

  • Sunday 26 March 2023 – Participants arrive at Koningsteen Centre
  • Monday 27 to Friday 31 March 2023 – Training course
  • Friday 31 March 2023 – Participants depart Koningsteen late afternoon

Language: All activities and materials will be delivered in English.

Location: The Residential will be held in the Koningsteen Centre
Oxdonkstraat 168, 1880 Kapelle-op-den-Bos, Belgium.

Eligibility: CCL Benelux is open to artists and creative/cultural professionals working in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. If you would like to stay up to date and be notified when other applications for CCL open, please sign up to the Julie’s Bicycle newsletter.

Cost: Fees for participation in CCL vary depending on the size of your organisation or whether you are a freelancer. They cover the costs of the programme, accommodation and food for the duration of the residential (from the evening of Sunday 26 March to the afternoon of Friday 31 March); and inclusion in an on-going network of CCL alumni including two post-course webinars . Participants are expected to pay for their own transportation to Koningsteen Centre in Belgium.

Band 1 CCL fee €950 – Organisations or individuals with an annual turnover/income over €300,000.
Band 2 CCL fee €450 – Organisations or individuals with an annual turnover/income up to or under €300,000.

Financial support: We are very conscious that the cost of living crisis has created significant financial pressures on the creative community. We are working hard to keep fees as low as possible. A limited number of subsidised spaces are available to cover participation for those who could not otherwise attend but these grants do not cover travel expenses. Please note that grants will not be paid out to participants and cannot be exchanged for financial value – if you are successful, you will simply receive a free place including food and accommodation.

Additionally, we have a limited number of small travel subsidies available to help those otherwise unable to make their way to the programme. There is an opportunity to request these financial supports and/or provide additional information at the application stage.