Call for Students: Join Us at the ELIA Leadership Symposium 2025

Photo: Tom Cox. ELIA Leadership Symposium 2023, Manchester. Pictured: Sumithreyi Sivapalan, Student Arts Practitioner, Manchester Provocation Project.

Calling students to join us at the ELIA Leadership Symposium 2025 in Geneva!

We invite students to be part of the conversation at the ELIA Leadership Symposium 2025: The Power of Many. Although the event is now at full capacity, we have dedicated spots available for students, with travel and accommodation bursaries covered.

The ELIA Leadership Symposium will take place from 15 – 17 October 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, hosted by Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD – Genève, HES‑SO).

Over three days, the curated programme offers high-level sessions, keynotes, panels, performances, and interactive breakout sessions: connecting international leaders and changemakers, and addressing the pressing challenges faced by higher arts education today.


The Power of Many

As the world faces political tensions, global conflicts, economic instability, and growing social division, leaders in higher arts education continue to tackle complex and evolving challenges. The ELIA Leadership Symposium offers an open and vital space for leaders to come together and explore how to navigate ongoing change and uncertainty. 

This is an exceptional opportunity for students who are already stepping into leadership within their artistic practice or creative education community to connect with international changemakers, contribute their perspective, and immerse themselves in discussions shaping the future of higher arts education.

Read the full Call for Students>

Apply by 15 September through this online form.


Who can apply

Students from ELIA member institutions at any level (bachelor, master, or PhD) who:

• Have already taken on leadership roles, either within their own university or another institution;
  
• Are interested in collaborating and networking internationally;
  
• Have a strong interest in collective intelligence and collaborative problem-solving;
• Are curious about higher arts education systems and how to navigate challenges in times of rapid change.

Important: Due to limited time before the event, applicants must hold the necessary documentation to enter Switzerland without requiring a visa.

Selected students will receive bursaries covering travel to and from Geneva, as well as accommodation for the duration of the event. These bursaries are funded by the ELIA Supporting Members Fund.