BCA Art of Leadership: Training for tomorrow
To promote dynamic leadership in the arts community, BCA works with business professionals to cultivate the skills and knowledge needed to be effective board members. The six-session Art of Leadership program – designed for first-time board members — includes expert speakers, educational sessions with local arts and business leaders, and a look at the challenges faced by arts organizations. Participants also gain a better understanding of how arts boards function by attending and observing board meetings if they wish.
The program gives business professionals the opportunity to apply their expertise to make a real impact on Oregon’s art community. Participants also gain valuable leadership skills, the chance to network with other professionals, and a deeper understanding and appreciation for the arts.
Schedule and Curriculum:
Each workshop is held at a different arts venue in the downtown Portland area from 8:00-11:15am. The following is the schedule and curriculum for the 2012/13 series:
| Workshop #1 (September 27) | Workshop #4 (January 17) |
| • Orientation to the Program • The Region’s Cultural Scene • How Does an Arts Organization Operate? |
• Fiduciary Duties & Legal Issues • De-Mystifying the Financial Reports of Nonprofit Arts Organizations |
| Workshop #2 (October 25) | Workshop #5 (February 21) |
| • The Role of the Nonprofi t Board in Today’s Changing Environment • Non-Profi t Nuts and Bolts • Responsibilities of Board Members • Board Composition, Size & Roles |
• Strategic Planning • What to Know About an Organization Before Joining • Budgeting and Planning for Today’s Economic Realities |
| Workshop #3 (November 29) | Workshop #6 (April 4) |
| • Funding the Arts: Issues and Challenges • Development and Fundraising: Board Members’ Roles in Each • Fundraising: How Board and Staff Work Together to Ensure Success |
• Topic Discussions • Meet Members of the Arts Community • Note: this workshop is 3:00-7:00pm |
Art of Leadership application process
Interested in participating in the Art of Leadership program? Class size is limited to approximately 40 people, apply early. The final deadline for applications is September 10, 2012.
The Art of Leadership program is a launching pad for board leadership with arts organizations in the Portland region. One of our highest priorities this year is to increase the number of our class participants who are from diverse ethnic backgrounds. To achieve this goal we are offering partial scholarships to those who fit that description.
To apply for a scholarship, applicants must also submit a statement of need along with their application. Please submit scholarship applications by August 31.
Download a printable Art of Leadership Flyer (pdf).
Download the 2012 Art of Leadership Application (pdf form).
Tuition is $600 for BCA members and $700 for non-members.
Contact Susan Myers if you have any questions about the program.
Not sure if your company is a BCA member? View our membership list to find out.
Arts organizations:
Looking for energized professionals to join your board? BCA can connect you with our highly qualified Art of Leadership graduates. Your organization can also host a workshop session to give BCA members an up-close look the challenges and opportunities facing arts organizations today. To learn more, visit our Resources area, or contact Susan Myers, BCA associate director.
