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One-Year Post Graduate Programme in Creative Leadership (Artpreneur)

From IIM Mumbai

In Association with Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Art

Duration 1 year
Mode Offline On-campus
Schedule Weekdays Monday to Friday
IIM Mumbai Alumni Status

Programme Overview

Where Art Meets Entrepreneurship

A one-year immersive programme designed for performing artists to build sustainable, scalable careers by integrating artistic excellence with business, branding, and leadership skills.

Build a Career, Not Just a Craft

Access a curated network of artists, industry leaders, and creative collaborators across IIM Mumbai and KKALA.

Learn Inside a Dual-Campus Ecosystem

Experience a unique learning journey across IIM Mumbai and KKALA, combining management education with artistic practice and cultural immersion.

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An Ecosystem of Learning, Leadership, and Collaboration

A structured academic programme that brings together:

Management frameworks from the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai

Creative and cultural learning from KKALA

Leadership-focused approach for the arts ecosystem

Peer network of multidisciplinary artists across domains

Direct access to mentors, visiting artists, and industry practitioners

Collaborative projects & lifelong association with IIM Mumbai–KKALA ecosystem

Message from the Programme Chairperson

Dr. Nikhil K Mehta

Dr. Nikhil K Mehta

Program Chairperson,
Creative Leadership (Artpreneur) Programme
Faculty Member at IIM Mumbai

At Indian Institute of Management Mumbai, we view the arts as a catalyst for cultural impact and professional opportunity. The KKALA programme is designed to equip emerging artists with both creative excellence and the business acumen needed to build sustainable careers in the evolving creative economy.Blending structured learning with mentorship, industry exposure, and real-world practice, the programme enables participants to refine their craft while navigating platforms, audiences, and monetization pathways effectively.
With a strong interdisciplinary focus across performance, storytelling, and digital mediums, KKALA prepares individuals to emerge as versatile artists and creative entrepreneurs. We look forward to shaping talent that will redefine contemporary artistic expression and create meaningful impact at scale.

Programme Objectives

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Build leadership capabilities using interdisciplinary collaboration and creative problem-solving.

Design and execute original projects that combine artistic expression with social and entrepreneurial intent.

Develop the ability to create, manage, and grow independent artistic careers and ventures.

Deepen skills in music, dance, and theatre to improve stage presence and communication.

Understand finance, marketing, and project management tailored for creative industries.

Learn how to position yourself, communicate effectively, and build a strong public persona.

Structure & Curriculum

Key Academic Components

Capstone Project

Live performance-based project

Interdisciplinary Learning

Integration of music, dance, theatre, and management

Industry Exposure

Case studies, simulations, and real-world applications

Dual-Campus Learning

Experience across IIM Mumbai and KKALA

Module 1: Artistic Foundations (by KKALA)
Artistic Foundations (Music / Dance / Theatre)
Identity Development, Personal Branding & Positioning
Voice, Body & Stage Presence
Sound Engineering & Technology
Yoga, Breathwork & Mindfulness
Ensemble & Collaboration Practices
Focus: Build strong artistic identity, expression, and foundational performance skills.
Module 2: Business & Leadership for Artists (by IIM Mumbai)
Artist Psychology
Entrepreneurial Leadership
Marketing Communication & Pitching
Digital Marketing & Web Presence
Project Management for Creative Ventures
Financial Literacy
Focus: Develop business acumen required to build and scale creative careers.
Module 3: Advanced Creative & Industry Integration (Joint)
Legal Framework & IPR for Artists
Storytelling & Communication
Creative Problem Solving & Innovation
Sustainability in Creative Industries
Networking, Events & Ecosystem
Focus: Integrate creative practice with industry knowledge and innovation frameworks.
Module 4: Capstone Project
Managing a Live Event
Performance Showcase & Reporting
Focus: Apply all learning into a real-world performance and project execution.

Learning and Evaluation

Case studies and industry insights

Simulations and role plays

Creative experimentation

Mentorship from faculty and artists

Performance-based learning

Learning environment
Evaluation
  • Continuous Evaluation: Combination of written tests, assignments, and performance-based assessments across all modules
  • Practical Focus: Strong emphasis on live performances, creative outputs, and real-world application
  • Capstone Project: Final evaluation through execution of a live event/project integrating art, management, and entrepreneurship
  • Credit-Based System: Successful completion of all 60 credits required for certification

Admission Process

1

Application

  • Application fee (₹2,500)
  • Contact details
  • Documents
2

Selection

  • Performing Arts IMAT exam
  • Personal Interview (PI)
3

Admission

  • Deposit the seat booking amount
  • Deposit the first instalment
  • Classes start in June, 2026

Eligibility

Educational Qualification

  • Bachelor’s degree (minimum 50%)
  • 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates
  • Degree must be from a recognized institution (UGC compliant)

Important Dates

Event Dates
Performing Arts IMAT (online) 19th April 2026
Merit List Based on IMAT Score 21st April 2026
Personal Interview (PI) Within 7 days of IMAT Result
Final Result Declaration May 2026
First Instalment Before Session Starts
Session Starts June 2026

Fees Structure

Full Payment Structure

Fee Category
Amount
Application Fee (non refundable)
₹2,500
Seat Booking Amount
₹1,00,000
Instalment
₹6,50,000
Total
₹7,50,000  
Inclusive of all taxes
(application fee not included)

Instalment Payment Structure

Fee Category
Amount
Application Fee (non refundable)
₹2,500
Seat Booking Amount
₹1,00,000
First Instalment
₹3,00,000
Second Instalment
₹4,00,000
Total
₹8,00,000   
Inclusive of all taxes
(application fee not included)
Policies for Refund of Fees
  • Seat booking amount required to confirm admission
  • Refunds governed by IIM Mumbai policies
  • Post-commencement withdrawal: only caution amount refundable (as applicable)

About Kailash Kher Academy

Under the visionary leadership of Padma Shri Kailash Kher , Kkala is more than just an institution; it's a vibrant ecosystem where art thrives. Inspired by a deep-rooted passion for Indian classical music and a desire to nurture young talent, Kailash Kher founded Kkala with the mission to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of India.

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About IIM Mumbai

IIM Mumbai is one of India’s leading management institutions, known for excellence in operations, analytics, finance, and leadership education. Established in 1963 (formerly NITIE), it consistently ranks among the top B-schools in India and is recognized for its strong industry integration and academic rigor.
Through this programme, IIM Mumbai brings its management expertise into the creative domain, enabling artists to develop structured, scalable careers.