Already in place are graduate programs for would-be arts administrators (mostly in their 20’s and 30’s) and some in-service development for existing chief executives (mostly in their 40’s and 50’s).  What is missing is a way to identify and develop the best and brightest second level administrators in cultural organizations, most of whom are in their late 20’s through 30’s.  They are directors of education, public relations and marketing, assistant directors of development and special events.  This is the audience for which the program is designed.

The Fellowships are designed to identify, support and prepare the most promising next generation of leaders for our institutions of arts and culture.  This effort will be carried out in a small group with highly individualized attention to the professional development needs of the participants in the context of the multiple demands of leadership.

Nine sessions with the Fellowship group will focus on career exploration, skills and knowledge assessment, and professional development: “What do I now know or am able to do and what do I need to know and be able to do to be an effective chief executive in a cultural institution?”

These sessions utilize a variety of executive assessment tools, and involve exemplary executives as role models and board members as coaches. Christy Farnbauch, Business and Community Partnership Coordinator for Hillard City Schools, President of Strategic Links LLC, and a Next Generation of Leaders alum, is the constant leadership presence throughout the sessions for 2008-2009. Karen Bell, Associate Vice President for Arts and Culture at The Ohio State University, will work beside Christy during the first and last session of the program and will meet one-on-one with each Fellow over the course of the program.