Spectra Application Form

Get the text of this application as a Google Doc

To take part in Spectra, you must:

• Be neurodivergent (self-identification is fine – you don’t need a formal diagnosis)
• Be based in Scotland during the programme period (March 2026 – February 2027)
• Be aged 18 or over
• Be able to take part in online sessions via Zoom
• Be available to attend group sessions and mentoring meetings

What are you hoping to get out of Spectra?
(write up to 200 words – short bullet points are fine)

You could tell us

• what draws you to the programme
• what kind of support or learning you’re looking for
• any challenges you have faces in accessing leadership positions
• anything else you’d like us to know about where you are in your creative or leadership* journey.

*By leader we mean anyone who takes responsibility for shaping things around them - in projects, communities, peer groups or creative spaces. You do not need a job title, team, or formal status.

Please tell us a little about your creative practice or area of work
(up to 100 words)

For example: “I’m a writer interested in storytelling and community work,” or “I am a visual artist making work about subject X”

This helps us understand who’s applying – it doesn’t need to sound formal or polished.

Please give us a link to your website, portfolio, or social media (if you have one).

You don’t need to create one specially – it’s just so we can see a bit more about your work.

Spectra has two reserved places for people from groups often underrepresented in leadership roles in the arts:

• one for a Person of Colour
• one for a working-class creative

Please let us know if either of these apply to you.

Spectra is a long-term programme, with group sessions and mentoring running from March 2026 to February 2027.

Sessions will run on Monday evenings.

Please tell us if there anything already in your diary that might overlap with the programme
(For example, work, residencies, caring responsibilities, or other projects.)
Please tell us about anything that might affect your availability during this period.
We’ll do our best to reschedule around existing commitments where we can, but can’t guarantee that all clashes can be avoided.

If you’re selected for Spectra, we ask you to join all sessions where you can. We understand that illness and emergencies happen, and we’ll always respond with care and flexibility. But the group experience is an important part of Spectra, so we encourage you to treat the sessions as a shared commitment. If something unavoidable comes up, just let us know as soon as you can - we’ll work with you to share materials or adjust things so you can stay involved.

Please fill out our short Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) form. This is anonymous and separate from your application. It helps us understand who we’re reaching.

You can fill out the EDI form here: EDI form for Spectra (link opens in a new tab)

NOTE: If you are using a phone to complete your application, you should save your progress first before you leave this form. Click the button marked "Save".