If ever there was a time when North Texas art groups could use a helping hand, it’s now. With museums and performing art groups being shuttered and staffs being furloughed or let go, it’s a bleak time.
Luckily, these organizations have an ace up their proverbial sleeve. That is the collection of people who volunteer to serve on their boards. From business leaders to community activists, they provide a wealth of connections and experience that has built the area’s reputation for outstanding presentations.
To help provide new members for such boards, Business Council for the Arts (BCA) sponsors the Leadership Arts Institute (LAI), a nine-month program of arts leadership training. This year’s LAI will begin in September and continue through graduation in May 2021 with classes meeting monthly for a half day.
The goal is to provide an opportunity to:
- Build leadership expertise
- Learn best practices in nonprofit leadership
- Meet prominent business leaders who advocate for the North Texas creative community.
- Gain access to resources that promote arts and cultural leadership, creativity and innovation
- Network with colleagues from a cross-section of North Texas businesses
- Experience the region’s art and cultural venue on a first-hand basis
- Strength future commitment to the creative economy of North Texas
During the term, a project will provide the class with “the opportunity to engage with LAI fellows as well as other business and arts leaders in the community.”
According to BCA Program Manager Chelsea Holmes, “Upon completion of the nine-month program, graduates may request placement on nonprofit boards of directors in the arts and cultural communities.
Tuition for the course ranges from $1,825 (BCA member companies) to $2,225 (nonmembers) and includes all materials, event fees and entertainment, plus membership in Leadership Arts Alumni for the balance of the calendar year following graduation. However, scholarships may be available.
Applications are available now online with a deadline of Friday, July 31, for submission.
* Graphic and photo courtesy of Business Council for the Arts