The Stage

Nominations sought for ‘Women to Watch’ list

Published Wednesday 11 November 2009 at 11:59 by Lalayn Baluch

The Cultural Leadership Programme is calling for nominations for its inaugural Women to Watch 2010 list, which aims to celebrate the achievements of the most “ambitious and talented” women in the creative and cultural industries.

Senior figures in the industry are being asked to put forward women who have made a noticeable impact within the sector, and have the potential to rise to the top.

Submissions are invited from all sectors including the performing arts, historic environment and music.

Research from the Cultural Leadership Programme, published in February this year, found that steps need to be taken by the sector to increase the number of women in leadership positions.

David Kershaw, chair of the Cultural Leadership Programme, said: “If we want the UK to have dynamic creative and cultural industries and compete globally, we must take this issue seriously and create an environment within the sector which encourages and recognises the work of emerging women leaders.

“The inaugural list of ‘Women to Watch’ will not only give a new generation of women the confidence to aim higher but also serve as a challenge to cultural organisations and creative businesses that need to improve in this area.”

The list will be announced in March 2010 to coincide with International Women’s day, and the achievements of 50 women will be celebrated at an evening reception.

The judging panel will be chaired by Jenni Murray, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, and feature figures from across the creative industries.

Murrary said: “There are nowhere near enough women in positions of power and influence, whether it be in the cultural and creative industries or other sectors. We need to do everything we can to enable and encourage the next generation.”

The deadline for entries is January 29. For more see www.culturalleadership.org.uk/W2W