Mandel Program for Cultural Leadership in the Negev

The Mandel Program for Cultural Leadership in the Negev aims to help cultural professionals to clarify their worldviews and develop practical ideas that will enable them to realize their vision for improving the quality of life in the Negev. The program is designed for people who have the potential to be highly influential in the arts and culture, and who are committed to promoting the Negev.

Program Goals

Developing cultural leadership in the Negev – The program strives to nurture outstanding leaders from diverse communities throughout the Negev, who will work to promote a discourse of learning and action in the field of art and culture in the Negev.
Creating a network and community – The program aims to create a network and community of cultural figures, who will conduct joint dialogue and consultations, and promote individual and group action.
Developing a shared space – In line with the vision of the Mandel Center for Leadership in the Negev, the program aims to nurture leaders for the Negev who will work intensively to create a shared space for the diverse communities of the region.
Action and real-world change – The program promotes the implementation of practical initiatives developed by participants, both individually and in groups.

Admissions Criteria

Commitment and passion to promote the arts and culture in the Negev
Involvement in some form of cultural work
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to promote dialogue
An academic degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
Willingness and ability to participate in all elements of the program
Preference will be given to candidates with leadership and management experience in the field of art and culture.

General Information

The program is conducted one day a week over the course of a year.
The program combines theoretical and practical studies in a group setting, as well as individual tutoring, field study trips, and intensive seminars.
There is no tuition fee. Participants will receive a stipend and personal mentoring from tutors and expert consultants.
At the end of the program, participants who meet all program requirements will be awarded a certificate from the Mandel Center for Leadership in the Negev.

Application Process

The program will begin in September 2019, and will meet on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm over the course of a year.
Applications will be accepted via the Center's website from March 7, 2019 through April 30, 2019.
The evaluation and selection process will take place during May–June 2019.
Applicants who are accepted to the program will be notified during July 2019.

Study Units

The course of study comprises five main areas of study that enable the integration of different types of content:

Philosophy, values clarification, and clarification of world view: Study of philosophical concepts and values related to the development of leadership that can bring about change; the role of culture and cultural leadership in the life of the individual and of the community; introduction to canonical texts related to culture, art, creativity, and identity.
Society and place: Exploring historical and theoretical dimensions of the characteristics of Israeli culture, including the characteristics of "Negev culture"; learning models of action in the field of art and culture.
Policy, government, and local government: Examining the challenges of developing a "cultural policy," using Israeli and international models; defining the characteristics of the main players and the main structural conditions that influence decision-making in the realm of culture; analysis of the relationship between the political establishment and the cultural establishment.
Management and cultural leadership: Exposure to models of leadership and their connection to culture and society; exploration of the relationship between art and social change.
Visual culture and cultural leadership: Examination of different types of creativity and the way in which they contribute to the development of cultural innovation and stimulate economic growth in developed societies; analysis of images, while examining basic concepts of art and culture in the modern and postmodern era.

The program also includes a "practical component" as a main element in its leadership training. This component is designed to effect actual practical change in the field of art and culture in the Negev.

Program Director: Dr. Hagit Damri

For further information:

Email: Miyun-MCLN-Culture@mandel.org.il

Telephone 08-620-1444