Are you looking to gain experience in the business of arts and culture?
Our Career Accelerator program was designed with a long-term goal of diversifying perspectives in the arts and culture workforce. Research shows that teams with diverse backgrounds are more creative and resilient.
The 2026 Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand program runs 21 September–27 November. Applications are due by Monday 17 August.
Participation in Tessitura's Career Accelerator is free of charge for applicants accepted into the program. The information on this page is for our Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand program.
Program benefits
Over this 10-week program, participants will:
Gain foundational knowledge, hands-on experience and practical skills using Tessitura’s CRM platform in fundraising, memberships or ticketing
Join a community of colleagues and mentors providing support, community and professional networking
Secure access to a library of Tessitura Training Center materials to expand your knowledge
Program details
The 2026 program runs 21 September–27 November and is free of charge.
Up to three hours per week of self-paced online learning in fundraising, memberships or ticketing (approx. AU$430 value)
Three full group events with participants, mentors, program staff and invited guests
Three standalone mentor group meetings
Private online forum for participants and mentors
One year of access to Tessitura Training Center materials
Full scholarship to the Tessitura Learning & Community Conference (TLCC) in Sydney, 13–14 October 2026 (conference fees only, approx. AU$630 value; travel and hotel costs not included)
“It was a privilege to be a part of the pilot program and I believe it has incredible potential to grow and positively affect arts administrators of color.”
Eligibility & application details
Applicants must:
- Be located in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand
- Be at least 18 years old
- Demonstrate lived experience that is underrepresented or marginalised in the business of arts and culture
- Commit to participating in all 10 weeks of the program to the best of your ability
2026 application timeline:
- Applications are due by Monday 17 August
- Applicants will be notified of their status no later than Wednesday 26 August
- Accepted applicants must confirm participation by Monday 7 September
Terms and conditions:
- Participation in the Career Accelerator program is free of charge.
- A selection committee of Tessitura staff and community members will choose participants from submitted applications. Spaces are limited.
- If you need accommodations due to a disability, we will accept your application in another format. Please contact our team.
If you have any questions about the application process or would like to speak with someone before applying, please contact our team.
Tessitura does not unlawfully discriminate against program applicants based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, gender identity and expression, physical or mental disability of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service, engaging in legally protected activity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.