As our nation remains embroiled in a war for its humanity, the arts have managed some progress. Many organizations have finally moved from an awareness/lip service phase to actively making room at the table for BIPOC-AAPI. There’s still a very long way to go, but arts leaders are doing a much better job of looking ahead and preparing for more diversity in every area by offering meaningful encouragement and support for aspiring BIPOC-AAPI arts administrators. Here is a list of opportunities, fellowships,mentorship opportunities, scholarships, and other resources. Share them with your peers and students and encourage them to apply. It’s a little thing we each can do that may make a big difference in someone else’s life.

And if you know of other resources that should be on this list, please contact me. I’ll be glad to add them here and make the whole list an ongoing, free resource.

FELLOWSHIPS

AAAE EDI FELLOWS

The Association of Arts Administration Educators (AAAE) hosts an annual, year-long Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Research Fellow to investigate the intersection of EDI and arts management programs. The Fellow works under the supervision of a Mentor. The Fellow is responsible for collecting data and helping create teaching resources for AAAE members on EDI issues and is open to all students currently enrolled in an arts administration graduate program or related fields or a recent (within 1 year) graduate of said program at the time of applying.

AMS PLANNING & RESEARCH EXPANDING PATHWAYS TO CONSULTING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

AMS Planning & Research‘s Expanding Pathways to Consulting Fellowship Program, designed to engage members of BIPOC populations, is seeking its next fellows. The program has engaged four fellows since its inception two years ago.

This first-in-the-field program was initiated to help support and escalate involvement of individuals from groups that have been underrepresented in the arts and culture consulting field. Fellowships are intended to provide practical training and play a role in nurturing leadership by expanding and fostering inclusiveness within the discipline of arts and culture consulting.

ARENA STAGE ALLEN LEE HUGHES FELLOWSHIP AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (theater)

The goal of Arena Stage's fellowship and internship program is to cultivate the next generation of theater professionals by providing the highest standard of training through immersion in the art and business of producing theater. Successful candidates for both programs are highly motivated individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the arts.

The program offers personalized training and in-depth, hands-on experience with top-tier professionals in artistic and technical production, arts administration, arts education, and community outreach!

ARS NOVA EMERGING LEADERS GROUP FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (theater)

Ars Nova is looking for smart, motivated, young cultural leaders who are underrepresented in the theater field for our Emerging Leaders Group. More than just an internship, this hands-on training program makes you an integral part of the day-to-day operations of our office and the discovery, development and launch of our artists. Fellows learn the ins-and-outs of their department(s), and also participate in one or more of our all-staff Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Groups, which meet weekly to advance our anti-racism work. The Emerging Leaders Group also provides professional development and networking opportunities that prepare you to launch your career in arts administration.

ASPIRE ARTS LEADERSHIP AT THE KENNEDY CENTER

The KCACTF/LORT ASPIRE Leadership Fellows Program is a weeklong program designed to cultivate a new generation of artistic and administrative leaders for the American Theater with a focus of engaging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and members of other groups that are consistently underrepresented in the field. This diverse national cohort of fellows assembled from all of KCACTF’s eight regions will engage in topics concerning equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism as well as leadership skills building, investigation of institutional challenges, and professional networking opportunities.

CALIFORNIA ARTS COUNCIL ADMINISTRATORS OF COLOR FELLOWSHIP

The School of Arts and Culture (SOAC), in partnership with the California Arts Council (CAC) and SVCreates, is administering a pilot program with the goal of uplifting an inclusive workforce and supporting the vibrancy of organizations that create and preserve the cultural identities of all California communities.

The California Arts Council Administrators of Color Fellowship (CAC ACF) seeks to address the dearth of opportunities for people of color in arts administration, with the intention of creating a pipeline for people of color across and throughout the arts sector.

THE CLAYCO FUTURE LEADERS FELLOWSHIP AT OTSL

I admit a soft spot for Clayco, because TWO of my Spotlight artists won places in the first and second classes of this wonderful program. Lyanne Alvarado was the very first Administration Fellow and then immediately joined the Houston Grand Opera Team as Artist Services Coordinator; and Andréa Ochoa is the 2021-2022 Advancement Fellow.

The Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship supports and cultivates future arts leaders and administrators from backgrounds historically underrepresented in opera and arts administration, particularly those who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color).

Launched in 2021, Opera Theatre’s Clayco Future Leaders Fellowship Program provides in-depth experiences that advance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities that make these careers possible. Fellows serve in a full-time position specializing in one area (Advancement, Artistic Administration, or Administration) while gaining knowledge in a range of essential functions across the organization, including artistic administration, fundraising, marketing, audience cultivation, and business administration.

Through this fellowship, Opera Theatre seeks to introduce a diverse group of young professionals to the issues, challenges, and rewards of running an arts organization, whereby developing successful arts administrators who represent the diversity of our communities and who will add to the vibrant future of the opera field.

All Fellows will receive a full-time salary, benefits, a relocation and transportation stipend, and professional development funds.

THE CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF WESTERN CONNECTICUT ELIZABETH L. MAHAFFEY ARTS ADMINISTRATION FELLOWSHIP

The Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship provides funding to individuals to pursue professional development opportunities in field of arts administration, including but not limited to staff management, public relations, marketing, budget/fiscal management, board development, fund-raising, program development and evaluation.

The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is committed to expanding opportunities for individuals to participate in the arts as creators, arts administrator, and audience members. As part of the 2021 Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship, COA will focus on individuals who are of groups that are traditionally underrepresented in arts administration roles. Must be a Connecticut resident.

EI FOUNDATION THEATRE LEADERSHIP PROJECT

Focused on producing, general management, company management, and stage management, The Theatre Leadership Project seeks to transform and strengthen American theatre by investing in mentorships, training, job placement, and long-term support for Black creatives in key leadership positions. TTLP will provide a compensation package, including healthcare and a moving stipend. TTLP will have funds available for additional bespoke needs that address barriers to participation for chosen candidates

EMERGING ARTS PROFESSIONALS FELLOWSHIP

The new horizon of creative leadership requires new competencies, skills and sensitivities that are adaptive, engaging and relevant. This program aims to introduce an alternative model for professional development that balances traditional structure with increased creativity and experimentation. Over the course of nine months, THE FELLOWSHIP is designed to enrich and expand the professional skill-sets of emerging and mid-level leaders working in the Bay Area’s arts and culture field.

THE SEATTLE ARTS FELLOWSHIP

The Seattle Arts Fellowship is a yearlong fellowship program hosted by Seattle Opera, Seattle Symphony, and Pacific Northwest Ballet to develop the next generation of arts leaders. The fellowship is for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC) and are seeking leadership positions in arts administration.

The paid fellowship includes hands-on work experience in arts administration and learning opportunities including leadership training, skill building, mentorship, and networking. The fellowship cohort will engage in peer-to-peer learning, connect with local arts leaders, and build a strong network to support their career development.

STANFORD INSTITUTE FOR DIVERSITY IN THE ARTS FELLOWSHIP

The IDA Undergraduate Fellowship is a year-long paid program for undergraduate students at Stanford from diverse backgrounds, creative disciplines, and academic majors. The fellowship commissions new artwork from students, with the help of a close-knit creative community, time for generative art practice, professional and artistic development, and a deepening of social justice principles.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Boston University Metropolitan College $10,000 tuition scholarship towards an MS in Arts Administration, open to BIPOC only. Teacher assistantships become available in the second semester of study.