Cultural and Ethnic Arts Executive Leadership Program

The primary goal of the program is to increase the diversity of the leadership in major cultural and ethnic arts organizations. The CEA cohort group will be composed of experienced arts professionals, with the majority drawn ideally from underrepresented populations. Underrepresented populations are not limited to ethnic and religious minorities, but also broadly include LGBTQ and differently-abled communities. We are seeking participants whose ambition is to become the CEO of an organization. Apply to this program if you are one of those individuals. Applications from arts and cultural leaders with 8 or more years of experience will receive preference.

To apply, the CEO of the applicant’s current organization or an influencer in the field nominates the applicant; a member of the board can nominate those applicants who are CEOs of smaller organizations. Self-nominations are also accepted with an appropriate letter of reference.

The CEA Program is a competitive and international program. Arts professionals throughout North America and abroad are encouraged to obtain a nomination. In addition to a brief application, applicants will be interviewed by the program director. Local applicants may be invited to in-person interviews, while other applicants will be interviewed remotely.

The program will consist of four parts: formal instruction, colloquia, events/performances, site visits to arts/culture organizations, and mentorship.

Part 1: Formal Instruction

The formal instruction, taught by recognized arts leaders and Rutgers professors, all of whom possess national and international reputations in their field of expertise, will consist of modules including the role of CEO in Finance, Fundraising, Board Relations and Governance, Audience Building, and Community Engagement; topics related to underserved populations including cultural competency, changing demographics, national and international trends in arts and culture, and entrepreneurship; ethical leadership training including an Emotional Intelligence assessment, arts and cultural ethics, resume writing and interviewing with search committees, self-negotiating a CEO employment contract, and life and career planning.

Part 2: Colloquia

The group will enjoy dinners, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and colloquia with arts leaders throughout the 10-day in-residence program.

Part 3: Site Visits

The group will not only attend performances and cultural events, they will enjoy site visits at rehearsals with artistic directors. The visits will include a discussion about the particular manner in which artists lead other artists providing insights to the cohort.

Part 4: Mentorship

Each participant will have a yearlong mentorship, assigned to an individual drawn from the program faculty who themselves are cultural leaders and who are of underrepresented and diverse populations. In addition to the yearlong mentorship and on site program in New Jersey, the participants will together form a mutually beneficial support group among the members and ultimately CEA certificate holders will be known as those ready to lead cultural and ethnic arts organizations.

Each participant and their employer must make a modest financial commitment to the program. Program materials, tickets for performances and events, room, board, and flights (where necessary), are included in tuition. Individual participants must contribute $300 to participate in this program. Employers' of participants must provide participants with paid time off during the 10-day in-residence program outside of normal vacation benefits, and tuition support of $300-$1,500 (depending on the size of the organization, see below). All other costs to participate are covered by scholarships secured by the Institute for Ethical Leadership. No applicant will be denied acceptance for financial reasons only.*

Employers' tuition support scale based on organization annual budget:

• Over $10 million: $1,500
• Over $5 million and up to $10 million: $1,200
• Between $1 million and $5 million: $600
• Under $1 million: $300

*In an effort to increase accessibility, need for financial assistance will be based on the honor system. We ask each participant and their organization to consider all amenities provided, and resources at their disposal, when determining ability to contribute financial support.