2025 
One-Year Post Graduate Programme in Creative Leadership (Artpreneur)
From IIM Mumbai
In Association with Kailash Kher Academy for Learning Art
1 year
Offline On-campus
Weekends Friday to Sunday
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.
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
Program Chairperson,
Creative Leadership (Artpreneur) Programme
Faculty Member at IIM Mumbai
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.
On art, entrepreneurship, and India’s creative future.
A Message from Kailash Kher
Hear from the man behind the vision: Kailash Kher on why he founded KKALA, what inspired this collaboration with IIM Mumbai, and what he believes this generation of artists can achieve.
Programme Objectives
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
Learning and Evaluation
Case studies and industry insights
Case studies and industry insights
Simulations and role plays
Simulations and role plays
Creative experimentation
Creative experimentation
Mentorship from faculty and artists
Mentorship from faculty and artists
Performance-based learning
Performance-based learning
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- Continuous Evaluation: Combination of written tests, assignments, and performance-based assessments across all modules
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- Practical Focus: Strong emphasis on live performances, creative outputs, and real-world application
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- Capstone Project: Final evaluation through execution of a live event/project integrating art, management, and entrepreneurship
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- Credit-Based System: Successful completion of all 60 credits required for certification
Who Is It For?
For performing artists ready to go further
Serious about your art? Ready to make it a career? This programme is for you.
Musicians, vocalists, and composers
Performing arts graduates
Dancers and choreographers
Emerging creative entrepreneurs
Theatre artists and storytellers
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a UGC-recognised institution. No business background required.
Programme Impact
Where Art Meets Real-World Impact
Not just education: transformation. The Artrepreneur programme equips performing artists with the business acumen and creative leadership skills to build lasting careers in India's cultural economy.
Graduates leave with
A strong personal brand and stage presence
A live capstone performance, produced and managed end-to-end
Financial, legal, and marketing skills built for the arts
IIM Mumbai Alumni status and lifelong network access
Admission Process
Application
- • Application fee (₹2,500)
- • Contact details
- • Documents
Selection
- • Performing Arts IMAT exam
- • Personal Interview (PI)
Admission
- • Deposit the seat booking amount
- • Deposit the first instalment
- • Classes start in July 2026
Application
- • Application fee (₹2,500)
- • Contact details
- • Documents
Selection
- • Performing Arts IMAT exam
- • Personal Interview (PI)
Admission
- • Deposit the seat booking amount
- • Deposit the first instalment
- • Classes start in July 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
7th June 2026 9th June 2026 To Be Disclosed To Be Disclosed Before Session Starts June 2026 Fees Structure
Full Payment Structure
inclusive of all taxes;
excludes refundable caution deposit and application fee
Instalment Payment Structure
inclusive of all taxes;
excludes refundable caution deposit and application fee
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.
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.