In partnership with Opera North and the University of Leeds, New Zealand Opera is pleased to once again announce that applications are now open for the coveted Pettman DARE Fellowship in Music Education and Community Engagement Project Management.
A fully-funded 12-month programme delivered in collaboration between these three organisations, the fellowship allows for a citizen or permanent resident of Aotearoa New Zealand to first spend nine months in the UK, gaining experience through hands-on research at Opera North and study at the University of Leeds. Following this period, the successful applicant will then returning to Aotearoa in mid-2026, for a further three months working within the New Zealand Opera participation team, exploring and supporting the delivery of engagement opportunities with communities across this country.
“My academic studies at the University of Leeds, where I am taking courses on audience engagement and cultural leadership, have expertly guided my work enabling me to gain invaluable insight into community arts engagement. These collective experiences within the Fellowship programme have already strengthened, and no doubt will continue to further strengthen, my professional development in this area. Overall, my experience has been hugely rewarding.”
Andrew Gordon, Pettman DARE NZ Fellow, 2022-23
“Whilst on the Pettman DARE Fellowship I have regularly met with key staff from Opera North and the University of Leeds who have mentored me throughout the fellowship. This personal development has helped me to discover what I am passionate about and shape my future career aspirations. The learning journal has been a great way for me to track my experiences, and plan so that I can make the most of my time in the UK.”
Blaire White, Pettman Dare Fellow 2018-19
As leading national cultural organisations, New Zealand Opera (NZO) and Opera North, in the UK, create and tour opera and music of the highest quality. We seek to encourage people of all ages and from all walks of life to explore our work. We are committed to breaking down barriers to enhance the health, wellbeing, and cohesion of communities.
This Fellowship is for emerging arts professionals from New Zealand, who want to gain experience in, and knowledge about, community engagement in music organisations. For further information and to make your application, please download the below PDFs:
2025-26 Pettman DARE Fellowship – Information sheet
2025-26 Pettman DARE Fellowship – Application form
Applications must be submitted by email to darcy.thorpe@operanorth.co.uk by midnight BST (UK) on Sunday 15 June 2024.
