The Creative Hub Leader's Toolkit is made up of 15 practical tools to help creative hubs think about how they lead, connect and build their hub.  The tools are interconnected and, as a collection, will help hub leaders chart their path, from defining their need through to the impact they want to create.

The toolkit can be used by hubs at varying stages, whether emerging or established, as it can provide a foundation or a refresh of thinking.  It is also availablein a variety of languages.

'We hope that these tools provide creative hub leaders with a helpful and timely resource. In the wake of COVID-19 we know that many creative hubs are having to diversify and rethink their services and business models in order to survive. We sincerely hope that this toolkit provides these invaluable people with a helping hand in these globally challenging times.'  Lynsey Smith, British Council. 

This toolkit was developed in partnership with Hivos and Nesta and was born from a collaborative global programme called Creative Hubs Academy. The programme was co-designed over a three-year period with more than 100 creative hubs from across three continents, with the aim of helping hub leaders to sustain and grow their hubs. The ‘best bits’ from this programme were then refined into this toolkit. The toolkit was created in response to global requests: developed with creative hubs, for creative hubs. 

'This toolkit is the result of three years of collaboration between British Council, Hivos and Nesta and the implementation of various workshops in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Brazil. We hope the toolkit can be helpful for those setting up or running a creative hub.' Arthur Steiner, Hivos.

This toolkit is the product of years of research, testing and understanding hub leaders from around the world. We found that many of the challenges hub leaders face are universal. This toolkit will help hub leaders determine the purpose of their hub, connect with audiences, set goals, create a sustainable business model - and much more. I hope hub leaders enjoy using this toolkit as much as we enjoyed creating it!
Kimberley Ballantyne, Nesta

We would like to thank our partners, Hivos and Nesta, for collaborating on this invaluable tool. We would also like to thank Journey Associates for helping us establish and refine this resource.  We would love to hear your thoughts on this toolkit - what works, what doesn't and what's missing.  Please send feedback to lynsey.smith@britishcouncil.org