“Leading the Future”
Summer Leadership Development Programme for Young Artists
Bridge and Wolak
‘Am I an artist?’
1st to 14th June
An extraordinary opportunity to work with two life-changing classic jazz and world music maestros who will inspire you to build a financially-sustainable career in the arts, be of service in the community through exciting corporate, educational and community learning opportunities, and be a leader in using the arts for the transformation of our world.
Make it
Bridge & Wolak are a globe-trotting musical duo from Canada who create life-affirming concerts full of beauty, virtuosity and humour.
Michael Bridge, accordion, and Kornel Wolak, clarinet (both also play piano), met over a decade ago and immediately established an artistic alliance based on the attraction of opposites: Wolak - intensely focussed with a world view infused with sardonic humour; Bridge- flexible and fearless with a playful wit.
What they have in common is a love of classical, jazz and world music, a fascination with fusing genres and a passion for performance. They play dozens of original shows every year, exploring everything from Bach to Benny Goodman and figure they’ve logged about 350,000 kilometres on the road - from Kraków to Quito, from Nancy, France to Fargo, ND - about the same distance as a trip to the moon.
Join us this summer at Clos de Gaye, for two extraordinary weeks in south west France, where you will grow artistically, as well as develop your leadership skills, all whilst taking part in an inspirational community project with children and young people in the local area.
A two-week community programme consisting of:
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Take part in inspirational workshops with Bridge and Wolak to hone and improve your own artistry
Learn creative techniques to take your unique ideas to the next level
Develop the confidence and self-belief to ‘own’ your identity as an artist
Improve your technique as a musician, singer, actor or performer
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Workshops on:
Developing leadership presence and the capacity to command an audience
Ways to monetise your career as an artist
Being an ‘entrepreneurial’ artist, identifying opportunities, creating new ones, and taking control of your career
Building a portfolio career
Community leadership
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Half day and full day workshops for children and young people in the Pau and Nouvelle Aquitaine region
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Students and workshop participants have the opportunity to share with the general public the learning from their workshops in a community performance on the Clos de Gaye estate, with estimated 200 audience members
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To support and inspire parents to encourage their child’s artistic flair and interest in a career in the arts
Sample workshop
8am Breakfast
8.30am Artist Development Workshop
The chance to hone your musical technique with a “Masterclass” from Bridge and Wolak
10.30am Break
11am Leadership Development
Focus on how to make your career financially sustainable through a ‘portfolio’ career that combines performance, education and community leadership to have an outsize impact in our world
1 pm Lunch on the terrace of Clos de Gaye, overlooking the Pyrénées
2pm Transfer to Pau for afternoon workshop
3 - 4.30pm Work with local students to develop a community-based musical and theatre piece, combining individual creative expression with larger messages about leadership in our world
4.30pm Return to Clos de Gaye
5pm Break
7pm Dinner
8pm Reflection and free time
Each day allows for a combination of artist-led workshops, group creativity, community engagement and individual leadership development and reflection, creating a holistic learning experience that lays the foundation for a full and varied portfolio career.
Workshop experiences
Am I an artist?
This workshop guides students through a process of looking for evidence of their artistry… did you scribble down a drawing, did you record a video on your phone or take a beautiful picture, did you change your friend’s mind about a topic, did you perform for your family? Through action, Bridge and Wolak teach how to use the creative process to generate tangible impacts on the world and to change minds.
Workshops
Am I an artist?
● Guiding students through the process of artistic self-discovery
● Students look for and uncover evidence of their existing artistry
● Students also consider how their art impacts upon those around them
Putting Ideas on ‘Paper’
● An idea in the mind is not art….yet. Ideas have to be recorded. The power of artistic ideas increases when others can experience it.
● Through action, students learn how to use the creative process to generate tangible impacts on the world and to change minds.
● Introduction to assigning monetary value to an expression of art.
Non-verbal communication skills
An interactive workshop on conducting (leading) - with instrument, voice, and the body: generating support for your idea
Applicable to all professional real-time interactions across fields
(instruments optional)
Got Rhythm?
Teaching concepts of rhythm, structure, and musical expression through movement
Cultivating awareness of your surroundings through guided interactive rhythm exercises
Stage Presence and Production Value
We explain what elements of production lead to a ‘wow’ factor
Public speaking exercises (microphone technique practice, using projections)
Fashion, posture, and self-presentation
Turning any dry presentation topic into a storytelling narrative
Workshops for parents
Valuing Artist’s Time and Work
- Methodically assign value to components of the artists product
- Group exercise: collectively building an Excel spreadsheet that estimates the value of time and effort put into generating art
Supporting an Artistically-inclined Child
- Tips on maintaining motivation, career path options, and applying for universities
- How to turn your child’s hobby into a profitable career
All workshops can be given in both English and French
Watch Bridge and Wolak in action
Countless research shows that participation and engagement in the arts, especially performing arts, is the very best way to develop valuable life skills and leadership capabilities. With its proven ability to develop self-confidence, creativity, empathy, presentation skills, increase problem solving skills, and participants’ ability to take risks, it is the ideal way to develop bold, courageous, creative leaders.
These ‘21st century’ skills, identified by the World Economic Forum, are seen as vitally important in an age of artificial intelligence, when the ‘human’ skills so vital for global leadership are the key area in which we will be able to gain the leading edge over machines.
Our “Leading The Future” Summer Leadership Development Programme for Young Artists is designed to give young people not only an extraordinary artistic experience, but a practical, action-oriented career development programme that also invites them to use their creative and artistic sensibilities to be leaders for a better world in their communities and the world at large.
When the show ends, what begins?
Outcomes
● Moving and memorable experiences connecting fellow leaders from very different cultures and backgrounds
● Get to know each other as fellow humans by listening to one another, and being heard.
● Develop the leadership skills to build a financially-sustainable portfolio career as an artist-leader, who can have a profound impact on the future of our world
● Develop your artistic capacities with two world-class musicians and cultural leaders, to build the self-confidence and creativity to own your unique ‘voice’ as an artist
● Participate in an extraordinary experience, guided by a team of world-class artist facilitators, that is powerful enough that it becomes the start of ongoing relationships, connections and perspective shifting that bring about meaningful change in our world
The programme is lead by Caroline Watson, visionary founder of The Centre for the Arts and Global Leadership, and the Global Arts Impact Agenda and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum (Davos).
An award-winning entrepreneur with a background in theatre and music, a talented performer herself, using the arts to effect large-scale social change across the world, Caroline is able to share her own background and experience in building a successful career as an artist leader and entrepreneur.
Caroline Watson, Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, Harvard, Yale, INSEAD, Oxford
Coach and leadership development expert to students and young people, global heads of state, corporate executives and world leaders.
Unfolding your leadership potential
Clos de Gaye
Extraordinary experiences where the world comes together for impact
Welcome to Clos de Gaye, a unique and special place in the far southwest of France, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, close to the border of Spain and the stunning Basque coast.
Clos de Gaye (pronounced ‘guy’) means ‘Place of Happiness’ and it is at once a private home, a residential retreat, a creative and artistic workspace, organic farm, community kitchen, restaurant and tea house, and a convening ground for global leaders, artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and all those charged with the care and governance of our planet. Think of it as the meeting point between the Bloomsbury set’s Charleston and Camp David. It is a place to stay, to play, to share and to transform our world.
The spirit of Clos de Gaye is one of contribution, generosity and accountability. Those that have a seat of the table have arrived there through hard work and a genuine desire to be of service to the world. Time spent here is for you to reflect on what has been achieved so far and to be a springboard into future leadership and the continued desire to be a force for good in the world.
Deep in the heart of the French countryside, embedded in the ‘old world’ rises a new way of thinking about the future. The best of European heritage, beauty and aesthetic, with interiors from all over the world, reflecting our founder’s upbringing in Asia, and bringing energy, dynamism and a sense of inclusion of the new world.
An opportunity to reclaim the very best of European culture and values, with a renewed way of thinking about its relationship with the rest of the world, restoring humanity to everyone.
All learning experiences take place against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful corners of south west France and include trips around the region
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The Pic du Midi d’Ossau
Evening picnic on the Plateau de Benou
Stunning views from Clos de Gaye
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Soothing effect of the ocean
Dramatic waves
Award-winning cuisine
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Culture
Heritage
History
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Elegance
Sophistication
Refinement
Accommodation will be provided on the Clos de Gaye estate in our luxury ‘stargazer’ bell tents on the grounds of Fischer’s Farm (weather depending) or in a shared house close to the property.
All meals are prepared using fresh, local, and often organic ingredients, sourced either from Fischer’s Farm itself or from local providers in the Béarn and Basque regions.
Clos de Gaye is situated in the Jurancon wine region and there will be thoughtful pairings of wine and other non-alcoholic drinks with each meal.
Our spaces are unique, artistic and soulful.
Weekend Retreat for Family members
At the end of the two weeks, we extend an invitation for parents, family members and friends to be part of our ‘sharing’ of the project, to include parenting workshops, day trips and a community performance in the gardens of Clos de Gaye.
Accommodation can be provided in the main house of Clos de Gaye or at a nearby chateau.
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Visit the famed Pic du Midi d’Ossau and look over the border into Spain
Take a day trip to the stunning Cirque de Gavarnie and picnic at the bottom of the waterfall
Hike parts of the famous Camino de Santiago
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Take a day trip to charming St Jean de Luz and purchase beautiful Basque tableware
Dine at an elegant restaurant in Biarritz, watching over the wild Atlantic coast
Wander the charming cobbled streets of Bayonne and eat Basque tapas in a cafe on the banks of the canal
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Visit the historical Chateau de Pau, learning about Henri IV of Navarre, the only king the French liked, who was also baptised with the wine from Clos de Gaye
Wonder the streets of the old town and take a tea at Maison Constanti on the famous Boulevard de Pyrénées
Get in a bit of retail therapy before heading for a walk around the Quartier de Hedas
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Visit any number of chateaux in the region to sample some of the local Jurancon wine
Learn about wine production at the Cave de Jurancon in Gan
Wonder through the vineyards on the ‘coteaux’ overlooking the Pyrénées
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White Water Rafting
Mountain Biking
Horse Riding
And many other activities
Possible side trips to add to your itinerary
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Paris
City of Lights, one of the most romantic capitals in the world, and host of the summer Olympics 2024. An easy train ride from Paris with lots to see and do, we recommend a few days stop here en route to Clos de Gaye when flying internationally.
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Toulouse
Just two hours from Clos de Gaye, this gorgeous ‘pink city’ is unique in France for its distinct architecture and vibrant and youthful spirit. Our partnership with the Hotel des Arts provides a wonderful addition to your stay with us.
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Basque Coast
With it’s dramatic landscape and Michelin-award winning cuisine, the Basque coast and the towns of Bayonne and Biarritz, St Jean de Luz and the Spanish city of San Sebastian make for a stunning driving holiday to finish off your trip.
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Bordeaux
Beautiful Bordeaux, in the heart of the famed wine region, world class dining, and the possibility to visit vineyards, chateaux and the surrounding Dordogne and Landes region
Getting Here
From your home to Clos de Gaye
Clos de Gaye is easily accessible from Pau where there is a train station and airport (linking through Paris), as well as Lourdes that has direct connections from many European cities. In keeping with our vision to have a positive impact on the world, we strongly advise you to use train travel from Paris to reduce your carbon footprint - and enjoy a few days in the City of Light en route too!
We kindly ask all international visitors to offset the carbon from their plane travel to Paris through a reputable carbon-offsetting scheme.
Dates
1st to 14th June 2025
We suggest that you aim for a plane or train to arrive in Paris on the morning of the retreat date, and to take the 2pm train from Montparnasse to arrive in time for dinner. Transfers from the train station to Clos de Gaye can be arranged ahead of time and the transfer time takes less than 20 minutes.
Investment
4990 euros per student for two weeks, to include all tuition, accommmodation and meals
Price for parent weekend depending on itinerary chosen
20% sales tax applies
The retreat can also be paid for through our US-based 501 (c) 3 as a charitable donation and offset against taxes.
Included:
Retreat
All tuition and leadership development workshops
Your Accommodation on the Clos de Gaye estate or a similar property nearby
All your meals, including eating out
Your day trips to the Pyrénées and the Basque coast
As a socially-entrepreneurial for-profit company, The Centre for the Arts and Global Leadership uses all profits from our programmes to support low-income and marginalised communities to also take part in extraordinary experiences at Clos de Gaye and elsewhere in the world, so your participation also enables others to benefit from the life-transforming effects of our programmes.
Because our world needs a new kind of leadership
