Pathways not Projects is a transformative 4-year initiative that aims to reshape the creative sectors by fostering innovative pathways for talent development. Bobby Brown will be the Future Leader Fellow with Lighthouse as a Host Organisation. This project seeks to reimagine and diversify cultural leadership across the sector through targeted initiatives focusing on young creatives from underrepresented and marginalised communities. The programme is designed to meet the needs of young people who are disadvantaged through experiences such as invisible disabilities, low income, and recently leaving care. We are committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to help participants overcome systemic, cultural, and personal barriers, such as low confidence, difficulty engaging long-term, and feeling unwelcome in certain parts of their community. We aim to ensure that every participant feels valued and supported throughout their journey, thereby fostering sustainable talent development and diversity in cultural leadership.
Moving away from traditional project-based models, this initiative emphasises sustainable pathways for continuous talent development and leadership. The programme aims to develop a sustainable co-created open-source platform enabling genuine collection and tracking of fundamental social change and impact evidence. This platform will be a powerful storytelling tool, fostering a community of tech-savvy leaders committed to social innovation. Emphasising sustainability ensures the platform remains relevant and adaptable over time. Its transferability allows replication and customisation for different regions and contexts, maximising reach and effectiveness. This platform will inspire and drive significant social change, making it a beacon of hope for the creative sector. Data gathering and analysis will be conducted through co-curated development, ensuring a collaborative and user-focused approach. This approach ensures that the voices and needs of our users are at the heart of our development process, making them feel valued and integral to the success of our programme.
Central to the project is establishing youth steering groups that will play a critical role in programme direction, governance, and decision-making. Pathways Not Projects will ensure that marginalised voices are centred and empowered, fostering a more inclusive and representative leadership structure. This experience will develop participants' knowledge and skills, enabling them to take on management/governance roles in other organisations. The programme includes comprehensive training and mentorship covering business strategy, audience co-creation, and emerging technologies. Collaborations with industry experts and institutions enhance the learning experience to continue the creative momentum within organisations and sharing methodologies.