Derby Museums, The Bowes Museum and NAS are proud to announce the 20 talented individuals selected for the 2025 cohort of UK Creative Community Fellows, a unique leadership programme designed for artists, creative entrepreneurs and community leaders who are passionate about driving meaningful change across the UK.

This one-of-a-kind programme blends in-person and online learning to support leaders working at the intersection of arts, culture and community development. Over the course of seven months, Fellows will engage in an eight-day residency in Yorkshire, a retreat at Derby Museums, small coach-facilitated groups for personalized support and monthly online meet-ups fostering connection and growth.

“UK Creative Community Fellows reminds us of the transformative power of investing in people,” said Tony Butler, Executive Director of Derby Museums. “This year’s cohort is grounded, experienced and poised for growth. I’m confident this programme will assist them in amplifying their work and building lasting change in their communities.”

UK Creative Community Fellows’ curriculum is co-created by programme alumni and experts in the field to ensure it remains relevant to the realities creative leaders face today. Fellows will learn practical frameworks and tools centred around the pillars of Person, Process, and Project to amplify themselves, their work, and their partnerships within their community.

“This is not a typical fellowship—it’s a dynamic community of practice,” said Hannah Fox, Executive Director of The Bowes Museum. “We’re proud to support these inspiring individuals as they refine their vision and unlock new ways to scale their impact. Their projects are bold, imaginative, and urgently needed.”

Begun in 2020, this marks the fourth cohort of UK Creative Community Fellows. The programme is supported by Arts Council England. and delivered in partnership with NAS. The programme has become a launchpad for cultural entrepreneurs seeking not just to make art, but to make a difference.

Image: A collage of the 2025 UK Creative Community Fellows cohort

The 2025 UK Creative Community Fellows are:

Mahmuda Ahmed
Katie Atkins
Dr Vicky Bowskill
Khadijah Carberry
Katie Fay Dale-Everett
Juan delGado
Hannah Engelkamp
Richard Eyers
Mark Hornsey
Katherine Hughes
George Jones
Anthony Kalume
Ayisha de Lanerolle
Toni Lewis
Astrid Mohr
Caroline Murray
Dina Ntziora
Polly Schomberg
Lois South
Claire Thompson

Click here to learn more about UK Creative Community Fellows.