by WESTAF
ELC 2021 Program Recruitment
The application for WESTAF’s 2021 ELC Program is now open! Due to the ongoing pandemic and necessary program modifications, we have moved the convening online. The virtual program will take place March 18-19 (Thursday-Friday) and March 22-24 (Monday-Wednesday), 2021. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Monday, February 1st, 2021 for consideration. For additional information about the program, assistance with the application, or to be added to our mailing list, contact Madalena Salazar, manager of social responsibility and inclusion.
Program Goals
Since 2010, WESTAF’s Emerging Leaders of Color program has promoted diverse, representative leadership and equity in the arts by:
Building a cohort of cultural leaders of color in the western United States (and now the southern region, in partnership with South Arts) who are committed to the advancement of the arts;
Engaging a diverse group of emerging leaders in coursework and activities designed to strengthen competencies and prepare participants for leadership positions in the field;
Providing opportunities for promising arts professionals to establish networks that support their careers;
Advocating for the cultural interests of the communities they represent and serve; and
Deepening participants’ understanding of the arts in the United States and how public support sustains the vibrancy of the sector.
Program Participants
Participants are selected by a review panel comprised of program staff, alumni, and seasoned leaders of color from the field and are considered on the following criteria:
Professionals who are generally under the age of 35.
Ten years or less of experience working in the arts.
Current resident of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming.
Self-identify as a person of color.
Arts administrator or significantly arts-interested community member, such as a volunteer, public official, and/or artist with a strong interest in issues of cultural policy and arts administration. (The program is not designed to serve individual artists.)
Individuals who have not previously had an opportunity to participate in high quality professional development sessions.
Program Impact
In 2019, WESTAF commissioned an independent evaluation of the ELC program to assess whether we were meeting our stated program goals effectively. The evaluation provided alumni with an opportunity to reflect on the experience and any influence it may have had on various aspects of their personal and professional lives. Key findings included:
The program is well regarded by alumni and others in the field.
The program achieves its goals to develop leaders of color committed to the arts.
There is strong communication among participants and with WESTAF.
The program influences both the personal and professional lives of participants.
As a result of the program, participants feel empowered and more capable of influencing the arts field.
A strong majority of participants believe that the program positively affects their understanding of and capability to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.