We’ve had a fantastic year at National Arts Strategies, full of new programs and exciting transitions. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating!
In March, the second cohort of leaders explored change management at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. The Summit at Sundance, the final convening of the program was held in Sundance, Utah this November. At this event, leaders from around the world came together to brainstorm solutions to some of the toughest issues facing the field. Stay tuned in the New Year to hear about some of the results on Field Notes.
This year also marked the launch our third iteration of the program, with a focus on leaders working at the intersection of culture and community, The Chief Executive Program: Community and Culture. Through a competitive recruitment process, we gathered an incredible group of 50 CEOs that lead organizations where community is at the heart of the mission. This cohort of leaders convened for the first time at Vanderbilt University this fall. We are excited to be working with this new group of innovative and forward-thinking leaders. Meet The Chief Executive Program: Community and Culture participants here.
March marked the launch of our new Creative Community Fellows program for cultural entrepreneurs using arts and culture to design solutions for community problems. We were inspired by the amount of applications we received from over 38 states and 14 countries. Throughout the year we have been working with a group of 50 cultural entrepreneurs, providing them the tools, training and access to fuel their visions for community change. In the new year, Fellows will reach the final stages of their project development, where they will have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to leaders and grantmakers in the field. Meet the Fellows and learn about their projects here.
The Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy
In 2014, we turned the tables on leadership training in the arts and culture field through our new Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania. This program offers high-level, flexible learning at a fraction of the cost to comparable education. Applications were accepted for the program this October and our first class will begin coursework in January.
Our first Massively Open Online Course (MOOC), Leading Innovation in Arts and Culture was presented this September through the Coursera platform. The course was developed by Dave Owens of Vanderbilt University and customized for the arts and culture sector by NAS. The course exceeded our expectations in every way with over 9,000 students enrolled!
Last week we wrapped up our second MOOC, Arts & Culture Strategy presented in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. The course highlights some of the introductory content to The Executive Program and is taught by NAS’ Russell Willis Taylor and the University of Pennsylvania’s Peter Frumkin. We had over 13,000 students enrolled in this course!
In April, we presented a training program in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution for the Oman Ministry of Culture, where staff and managers from the National Museum and other nationally-run institutions explored theory and tools to develop a wide range of leadership and management capabilities. This January and September brought NAS to Hong Kong to present a program designed in partnership with the Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association and supported by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. NAS also partnered with the United States Consulate Sao Paulo and SESC Sao Paulo this November to present a three day program for senior cultural leaders around Brazil.
This year we worked with teams from around the country at our Business of Arts and Culture seminars in New York and Phoenix. We continue to be impressed with the work of such highly engaged teams at our seminars and have been thrilled to hear about how these experiences have helped teams effect positive change at their organizations!
Looking Forward
At the end of 2014, we say goodbye to our fearless leader of fourteen years, Russell Willis Taylor. In June, Gail Crider assumed the role of President and we cannot be more thrilled for this exciting new chapter at NAS!
There is so much in store for 2015 and we cannot wait to begin. Stay tuned for some exciting announcements about new programs and initiatives to come!
The entire NAS team wishes you a happy and safe holiday season. We look forward to working with you in 2015!