Americans for the Arts is committed to staying up to date on the impacts of COVID-19 for our constituents and the field. The Equity in Arts Leadership team is working tirelessly to determine the needs of the populations we serve, and in so doing have decided to alter the timeline and some requirements for our Arts & Culture Leaders of Color Fellowship (ACLC). While the programming dates will remain largely the same, the application, interview, and launch timelines are changing. The final application deadline is extended to July 5, 2020; additional details about the updated schedule are available here.

Additionally, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the financial capacity of many arts organizations around the country, causing them to lay off or furlough staff members. We will be waiving the full-time job eligibility requirement for this program in order to expand access to those who have been affected by the current economy.

The Arts & Culture Leaders of Color Fellowship is a one-year professional development experience for emerging and mid-career arts, culture, and heritage leaders of color that aims to be a model for systemic national arts leadership change by coupling advanced leadership development for Fellows with targeted learning opportunities for their close professional mentors and regional arts leaders. Together, these leaders and mentors work to advance their approaches to management towards greater racial and cultural equity in the Great Lakes region. A part of a broader Great Lakes arts leadership initiative in partnership with the Joyce Foundation and American Express, the 2020 cohort will comprise Fellows in Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, and the Twin Cities (St. Paul and Minneapolis).

Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements at AmericansfortheArts.org/ACLC-Fellowship. A recording of the virtual information session is available on ArtsU and provides interested 2020 fellowship candidates with a program overview, application instructions, tips for applying, and a Q & A period.

Final application deadline is EXTENDED to Sunday, July 5, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Apply online here.

Questions? Contact Nikki Kirk, Equity in Arts Leadership Program Manager, at [email protected].