Executive Leadership in the Performing Arts Fellowship Program
The Executive Leadership in the Performing Arts Fellowship Program is a program of the LACNA Foundation designed to broaden the scope and leadership of U.S. and Canadian performing arts centers. This year-long experience supports qualified, high-potential arts professionals who aspire to executive leadership roles.
Through coaching, mentorship, applied learning, and direct engagement with CEOs and senior leaders in the field, Fellows strengthen their capacity to lead large civic cultural organizations.
Who This Program is For
Mid-career professionals with:
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Perspectives and lived experiences that can help an organization better reflect the community it serves
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Limited opportunities to advance in their careers so far
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Aspirations for a move into a C-suite leadership position at performing arts centers, such as CEO, COO, CFO, or Chief Advancement/Development Officer, within the next several years.
About the Program
This program offers an experience-based curriculum with the following components:
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Leadership and career readiness assessments
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Individualized coaching and development planning
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Applied learning through case studies, simulations, and mock interviews
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Direct engagement with CEOs, senior leaders, and mentors
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Participation in two in-person symposiums hosted at performing arts centers
Fellows connect with and learn alongside current CEOs and senior leaders from performing arts centers in the U.S. and Canada.
How to Apply
Applications for the Executive Leadership in the Performing Arts Fellowship Program are now open through Friday, October 2, 2026. To be considered for the Fellowship, please complete our online application.
If your answers and experience are aligned with the program, you may be invited to participate in an interview.
Applicants will be updated about the status of their application in November.
Begin by clicking "Start My Application" below.
Please contact admin@performingartscenters.org with any questions.