About the Classroom

At this time, we have reached capacity for this digital classroom. We will be running this classroom again at a later date. To receive information on when we will have our next digital classroom on this topic, please email cjohnson@artsusa.org. 

Welcome to Americans for the Arts' Arts Administrators classroom. Want to know more information about it? View the introduction video below!

Use the link at the top right corner to register for the classroom. Modules will only be available 7 days after the post date listed below. Registration for this classroom will be capped at 25 members.

Summary

Executives in art agencies and nonprofit organizations are powerful in many ways. But it’s the program coordinators, managers and support staff who have the unique insight and ability to be catalysts for artists and small arts organizations. “Arts Administrators’ Essentials: Supporting Individual Artists” assists mid-level employees in mid to large arts nonprofits and agencies to be the necessary support for individual creatives in their communities. Through this online classroom, participants will learn how nonprofit arts organizations function, how to lead from their position, strategies to engage with communities, best practices for developing programming, ways to support artists, and how to gain support from supervisors to be effective. It is our goal to help participants use their knowledge and love for the arts to grow our nation’s creative economy.

Outline

Module 1: Being a Professional Artist

Access Dates: November 6, 2017 - November 12, 2017

Facilitated online discussion: November 16, 2017; Group A - 3:00PM (Eastern); Group B - 4:15PM (Eastern)

To understand the professional role and leadership responsibilities of the artist in society and examine the non-profit, public, commercial, and academic career paths open to artists and those working in cultural fields. Participants will explore the necessary entrepreneurial skills for artists to thrive in the marketplace of ideas, arts products, and cultural services in order to help artists generate and manage revenue and resources.

Module 2: Helping Artists Thrive: How to be a Coach

Access Dates: November 27, 2017 - December 3, 2017

Facilitated online discussion: December 8, 2017; Group A - 3:00PM (Eastern); Group B - 4:15PM (Eastern)

To examine the skills needed to be in responsible leadership roles in nonprofit art organizations and their relationship as constituents of public arts agencies. Through the examination of readings and interviews, participants will enhance their knowledge and ability to be a coach, implement assessment tools, and offer resources to artists.

Module 3: Engaging Communities for Sustainability

Access Dates: January 8, 2018 - January 14, 2018

Facilitated online Discussion: January 18, 2018; Group A - 3:00PM (Eastern); Group B - 4:15PM (Eastern)

To explore approaches to interact with and support artists in the community. Participants will reflect on personal, social and the cultural value of arts, learn the importance of acknowledging and supporting culture, and how to build productive relationships with artist communities.

Module 4: Creating Relevant Programs

Access Dates: January 29, 2018 - February 4, 2018

Facilitated online Discussion: February 8, 2018; Group A - 3:00PM (Eastern); Group B - 4:15PM (Eastern)

To understand theory versus practice in design, implementation and evaluation of arts programs and community organizations. Participants will examine both historical and contemporary paradigms that contribute to the success or demise of these organizations. Programming approaches, tasks and functions as well as strategic planning will be covered for organizations and community arts partnerships.

Module 5: Partnership Strategies

Access Dates: February 19, 2018 - February 25, 2018

Facilitated online Discussion: March 1, 2018; Group A - 3:00PM (Eastern); Group B - 4:15PM (Eastern)

To learn ways to formulate organizational partnership strategies for facilitating a value exchange between distinct arts and non-arts organization in order to expand reach and exposure for artists.

Module 6: Helping Leaders Value Artists

Access Dates: March 12, 2018 - March 18, 2018

Facilitated online Discussion: March 22, 2018; Group A - 3:00PM (Eastern); Group B - 4:15PM (Eastern)

Investigate practical strategies negotiating and advocating for artists with apprehensive executive leaders and supervisors to support new programs and approaches. Participants will learn how to be strategic in communicating needs to meet programmatic goals, demonstrate the value of individual artists, articulate tangible needs from leaders, and how to connect community goals with the mission of the organization for effective results. Participants will be able to articulate their position and artists’ importance in the creative ecosystem.

The Arts Administrators Essentials: Supporting Individual Artists program is supported in part by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.