30 UNDER 30
Mentorship Program

Empowering the Next Generation of Cultural Leaders

The 30 UNDER 30 Mentorship Program is an initiative by Communicating the Arts that connects 30 emerging cultural professionals with 30 globally recognized mentors. This transformative program fosters leadership, innovation, and international collaboration, equipping young professionals with the tools to thrive in the arts sector.

We are delighted to have G&A as the official sponsor of the 30 UNDER 30 Mentorship Program 2025. A valued partner since 2023, G&A’s continued support over the past three years has played a vital role in empowering emerging cultural leaders from around the world.

"Mentorship is key to growth for young professionals...a safe place to discuss what they are really going through" • Gretchen Coss, G&A, since 2023 •

Meet the 30 Mentors

Jacquelin Low

Director of Operations at The Last Great Hunt
Australia
Yasmine Mingay

Senior Director, Public Affairs, Development, and Outreach at Canadian Museum of History / Canadian War Museum
Canada
Debbie Spence

Director at MHM
United Kingdom
Jean-Michel Carre

Director, France Museums
France
Bart Ooghe

Head of Marketing, Communications and Audiences at Museum of Fine Arts Ghent
Belgium
Nick Sharp

Chief Digital Officer at National Gallery of Art
USA
John Giurini

Assistant Director, Communications & Public Affairs at J. Paul Getty Museum
USA
Martina Tzvetan

Producer, Curator, Consultant & Coach in the Cultural Industries | Specialist in Audiovisual, Culture & Sustainability
Portugal
Junia Jorgji

Producer, Curator, Consultant & Coach in the Cultural Industries | Specialist in Audiovisual, Culture & Sustainability
Netherlands
Peter Aerts

Head of Marketing, Communication & Audiences at S.M.A.K. / Museum of Contemporary Art
Belgium
Marijke Smallegange

Head of Communication, Marketing & Commerce at Rijksmuseum
Netherlands
Anne Eschapasse

President & CEO at McCord Stewart Museum
Canada
Xenia Hanusiak

Senior Policy Officer, Cultural Affairs at Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
USA
Brendan Ceiko

CEO & Founder at Cuseum
USA
Jonathan Holloway

Independent Artistic Director, Cultural Adviser, Speaker and Strategist
Spain
Nikolina Olsen

Communications Consultant at Danish Government
Denmark
Michèle Meier

Leadership Coach and Corporate Director at Michèle Meier Consulting and Coaching
Canada
Kylie Millwood

Director, Corporate Affairs at AGB Creative
Australia
Alexia Jacques-Casanova

Consultante / facilitatrice démarches participatives et engagement des publics
France
Maria Bolaños Alfonso

Marketing Consultant
Colombia
Jerome De Baecque

APAC Director at Moment Factory
Australia
Krisztina Mezős

Head of Marketing and Communication Department at House of Music Hungary
Hungary
Evelina Gorbacova

Head of Digital Development at FOLLOW.ART LTD
Latvia
Isabelle Willems

Head of communication at FOMU - Photo Museum Antwerp
Belgium

Meet the 30 Mentees

Carmen Chávez

Group Sales Development Specialist at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
USA
Orlane Lefeuvre

Interpretation and Creative Content Officer at Children's Museum | Project Manager
United Arab Emirates
Zhamanta Angelique Kyle

Culture and Arts Officer III, Venue Operations at Cultural Center of the Philippines
Philippines
Gaja Aurora EbereIkeagwuana

Social Media Manager and Performer at Milano Mediterranea / Corps Citoyen
Italy
Eliana Famà

Cultural Mediator at Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia
Italy
Shahd Salaheldin

Social Media Specialist at Womena Media
Egypt
Blu Huang

Coordinator, Event Operations at City of Melbourne (Melbourne City Council)
Australia
Sedef Akalın

Arts & Culture Professional / Project Manager / Policy Expert, Freelance
Turkey
Carlos Usabiaga Lopez

Research and Curatorial Fellow, Director’s Office at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
USA
Myranda Thomas

Marketing Communications Officer at Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)
Australia
Roksolana Koval

Project Manager Consultant at Cronos Europa
Belgium
Celina Lei

Content Manager at ArtsHub
Australia
Mabel Woodley

Gallery Manager at Martin van Zomeren
Netherlands
Silvana Alvarez Basto

Content Curator at Ilustre
Colombia
Baraka Leo

Curator at Rangi Gallery
Tanzania
Maguette Diop

Project Coordinator at Africulturban
Senegal
Lily O’Harte

Grants and Partnerships Coordinator at Belvoir St Theatre
Australia
Lubigan Lean Rafael

Arts & Cultural Manager, Freelance
Philippines
Alara Lyigun

Exhibitor Relations Manager at Swab Barcelona Art Fair
Spain
Mareike Peschau

Co-Director / Junior Advisor, Paper Lantern Collective / GIZ
Chad
Brooke Jacobs

Program Associate, General Audience Programming at PBS
USA
Josh Marchesini

Client Success Coordinator (Bilingual) at Imagine Canada
Canada
Silia Fasianou

Project Coordinator, MOMus (Thessaloniki Museums)
Greece
Dhanna Estinozo

Business Development Coordinator, Abbey Theatre
United Kingdom

About the Program

The 30 UNDER 30 Mentorship Program is dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and collaboration, equipping mentees with the mentorship, skills, and exposure needed to excel in a rapidly evolving cultural sector. Since 2020, this program has empowered 90 emerging leaders while providing mentors with opportunities to share expertise, gain fresh insights, and refine their coaching skills.

The six-month program from May to November offers:

One-on-One Mentorship – Personalized monthly guidance from an experienced cultural leader.
Exclusive Masterclasses – Develop leadership, innovation, and essential soft skills, learning from experts.
Networking – Engage in exclusive online events with peers and mentors.
Industry Discussions – Gain insights from experts on pressing cultural topics.
Global Exposure – Expand your network and attend the Communicating the Arts Conference in Amsterdam (17-19 June, 2025).
Community Access – Join the 30 UNDER 30 alumni network, connecting cultural leaders worldwide.

Is this program for you?

If you’re under 30 and passionate about advancing your career in the cultural sector, the 30 UNDER 30 program is for you.

- Mentees must be under 30 years old
- They must hold a position below GM level.
- They must have a minimum of 3 years of work experience.
- They must have a clear goal to work on with a mentor
- They should be willing to invest the necessary time to ensure the program's success.
Personalized Guidance: Receive one-on-one support and advice from experienced mentors tailored to your career goals and aspirations.
Skill Enhancement: Gain valuable insights, knowledge, and expertise to enhance your skills and capabilities in your chosen field.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with mentors, fellow mentees, and industry professionals to expand your professional network and explore new opportunities.
Career Advancement: Access resources, guidance, and support to help you navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and advance your career.
Conference Access: A free ticket for the CTA conference in Amsterdam from June 17-19, 2025.

- Mentors must hold senior positions in their organization
- They should be share their knowledge and network with mentees
- They should be willing to invest the necessary time to ensure the program's success.
Personal Fulfilment: Share your expertise, experience, and knowledge to contribute to personal and professional growth.
Leadership Development: Enhance leadership skills like coaching, communication, and problem-solving for career advancement.
Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network by connecting with mentors, mentees, and industry professionals.
Skill Development: Reflect on your skills, identify areas for improvement, and develop new competencies through teaching and guiding others.
Conference Access: A 20% discount for registration (on the Regular Ticket price) at the CTA conference in Amsterdam from 17-19 June.

We can all learn from each other - this goes for the mentors as well! Talking with these young professionals gives us a lens into what mentees are going through in similar institutions • Gretchen Coss, Mentor 2023 •

Program timeline

Subject to change

Kickoff & Pairing

Final selection of participants.
Mentor-mentee pairings announced.
Virtual introduction call to set expectations and goals.
Exclusive training sessions for mentors and mentees to ensure impactful engagement.

Communicating the Arts Conference in Amsterdam

Mentees attend the Communicating the Arts Conference at Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (17-19 June 2025).
Benefits: Free entry for mentees, discounted tickets for mentors.
A unique opportunity to engage with top cultural leaders, gain industry insights, and expand professional networks.

Masterclass #1: Leadership Unlocked

Discover the key principles of leadership in the arts and cultural sector.
Learn how to navigate challenges, build influence, and ascend the professional ladder with confidence.

Mentee Networking & Mid-Program Check-in

A dedicated space for mentees to connect, reflect, and strengthen their global network.
Facilitated discussions to share experiences, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration across borders.

Masterclass #2: Building a Powerful Digital Presence

Learn how to craft a compelling online identity that accelerates career growth.
Strategies for leveraging LinkedIn, personal branding, and digital storytelling to stand out in the industry.

Masterclass #3: Recognize your personal strengths and build your confidence

Simple tools and mindset shifts to help you overcome self-doubt and lead with authenticity.

Final Reflection & Program Conclusion

Closing session to evaluate the mentorship journey.
Interactive feedback discussions between mentors and mentees.
Insights on post-program growth and future networking opportunities

"There are so many incredible young people in the culture field who are capable of having a huge impact on the cultural world in the upcoming years" • Meghan Drascic-Gaudio, Olympic Museum, Mentee 2023 •

Application Process

A successful mentorship begins with the right match. Our application process is designed to align mentees with mentors based on experience, aspirations, and areas of expertise—fostering meaningful cross-generational and cross-cultural exchanges.

Application Process:

Submit Your Application – Complete the online form, detailing your background, career goals, and interests.
Mentor Matching – The Jury comprising Corinne Estrada, Gretchen Coss, Tirtha Giri, along with select past mentors and mentees, reviews shortlisted applications and pairs mentees with mentors based on compatibility, expertise, and career goals.
Program Timeline – The mentorship runs from May to November 2025, offering structured guidance, masterclasses, and networking opportunities.

Applications for the 2025 edition have closed.

Dare to try, be proactive, and connect with people, because they have a lot to share • Clémentine Marcelli, Mentee 2023 •

Get Involved and join the community

Since its launch in 2020, 30 UNDER 30 has built a dynamic network of young cultural leaders and mentors from around the world. Hear from past participants and see how the program has shaped their careers.

“The 30 UNDER 30 program opened doors I never thought possible. It changed my career trajectory.” - Past Mentee

“Guiding my mentee was a rewarding experience, providing valuable insights into the next generation of leaders.” - Past Mentor

Support the next generation of cultural leaders by becoming a partner of the 30 UNDER 30 program. Your contribution can help talented young professionals access mentorship, global networks, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits of Partnership:

Sponsor mentees to participate in the program.
Gain visibility at international arts events and conferences.
Align your organisation with a globally respected initiative in the cultural sector.

Become a partner

Interested in participating?

For more information, contact:

Tirtha Giri
Managing Director | 30 Under 30 Mentorship Program

Tirtha Giri is an India-based international arts manager, educator, and cultural strategist. She is dedicated to creating dynamic ecosystems that celebrate creativity while fostering cross-sector and cross-cultural collaborations. A former 30 Under 30 mentee, Tirtha is now the Managing Director of the program and aims to empower emerging leaders while cultivating a global network to strengthen the future of the cultural sector.

tirtha@communicatingthearts.org

Our past mentors

Aimee Davies

Founder and Counsellor at Hey Mate
AUSTRALIA
Frédéric Durand

CEO and Co-Founder of SMARTAPPS
FRANCE
Charlotte Gateau

Head of Marketing and Communication at the Royal Dramatic Theatre Stockholm
SWEDEN
Kylie Millwood

Director Corporate Affairs at AGB Creative
AUSTRALIA
Brendan Ciecko

CEO & Founder of Cuseum
UNITED STATES
Marie-Hélène Avril

Head of Marketing, Communication and Partnerships at Cultival
FRANCE
Dóra Juhász

Director of Brand and Communications at MOME Budapest
HUNGARY
Gretchen Coss

Senior Vice-President, Strategic Partnerships at G&A
UNITED STATES
Dr Natalia Grincheva

Program Leader, BA, Arts Management at LASALLE College of Arts Singapore
SINGAPORE
Elizabeth Gehde

Director of Marketing and Communication at Queensland Museum Network
AUSTRALIA
Maria Bolanos Alfonso

Global Marketing Consultant, Freelance
SPAIN
Em Blamey

Creative Producer at Australian National Maritime Museum & Questacon
AUSTRALIA
Jérome De Baecque

APAC Director at Moment Factory
FRANCE
Matteo Giovanardi

Project Manager, International & Audience Development at Dinamico Festival; Research Fellow at University of Turin
ITALY
Michèle Meier

Director of Communications and Marketing at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal
CANADA
Nikolina Olsen-Rule

Communication Consultant at the Danish Parliament
DENMARK
Michelle Tabet

Founder and Director at Left Bank Co.
AUSTRALIA
Peter Aerts

Head of Marketing, Communication & Audiences at S.M.A.K.
BELGIUM
Louisa Bartlett-Pestell

Director of Programming and Participation at artsdepot
UNITED KINGDOM
Olivia Bradley

Director of Exhibitions at AGB Events
AUSTRALIA
Philippe Rivière

Director of Digital at Art Explora
FRANCE
Shoshana Polanco

Head of Culture at Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM
MEXICO
Tristana Perroncel

Storyteller, Cultural Project Manager and Audiovisual Artist, Freelance
PERU, FRANCE
Yasmine Vatere

Assistant Director Brand Management & Marketing, J. Paul Getty Trust
UNITED STATES
Sophie Kammerer

Head of Louvre Conseil
FRANCE
Sarabeth Janzen

Director of Institutional Philanthropy at California Academy of Sciences
UNITED SATES
Susan Eldridge

Founder, Consultant Coach and Podcast Host at Notable Values and Lecturer in Music (Entrepreneurship) at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
AUSTRALIA