Apply for Leadership Arts
Complete and submit the form below to apply for Leadership Arts.
Deadline
The deadline to apply for Leadership Arts XIII was Friday, November 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Information
Information about the program, including dates, requirements, costs, financial assistance and more is available on the Leadership Arts page. Questions about the program and the application can be directed to Miranda Gilbert at
(405) 308-9270 or miranda.gilbert@arts.ok.gov.
About Leadership Arts
Offered every two years, Leadership Arts equips 30 individuals from throughout the state to become leaders and advocates for the arts in their communities. During four two-day sessions held in the spring, selected participants learn about the role of the arts in economic development, education, and quality of life. Participants attend the Oklahoma Arts Conference in the fall where they graduate from Leadership Arts during a special ceremony.
Leadership Arts Dates (2025)
February 27-28 in Medicine Park
March 27-28 in Idabel/Hochatown
April 24-25 in Stillwater
May 29-30 in Tulsa
October 22-24 Enid (Oklahoma Arts Conference)
Requirements
In order to graduate from the Leadership Arts program, class members must:
· Pay tuition in full by the deadline (financial assistance may be available)
· Attend and participate in all four class sessions and the Oklahoma Arts Conference
· Complete all scheduled reading and homework assignments
· Engage in class discussion and group work
· Become an active advocate of the arts
· Assume responsibility for one's own travel, lodging, and meals at each Leadership Arts class session
How Much Does Leadership Arts Cost?
Tuition for Leadership Arts is $599. Tuition covers program costs, materials, and on-site transportation. Class members are responsible for paying for their own travel, lodging, and meals for the four spring class sessions. They are also responsible for paying to register for the Oklahoma Arts Conference and related conference travel, lodging, and meals. Businesses and organizations are often willing to pay all or some of the costs for employees or representatives of their organization to participate in Leadership Arts. Following is a breakdown of estimated expenses to participate:
Tuition: $599
Travel, lodging, and meals: $1,000 ($250 per session)
Oklahoma Arts Conference registration: $129
Oklahoma Arts Conference travel, lodging, and meals: $400
Total estimated cost = $2,100
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance may be available for those in need of scholarship opportunities. A question in the Leadership Arts application will allow you to indicate your interest in seeking financial assistance.
Download a Letter of Support
An optional letter of support from the Oklahoma Arts Council is available for applicants to download and provide to employers. The optional letter can be used by applicants to request support for their participation in Leadership Arts from their employers or others. Download the letter of support.
How Leadership Arts is Structured
Leadership Arts is offered every two years. Applications are available in the fall. Thirty participants are selected to attend four two-day sessions held in the spring. Participants from communities throughout the state are selected. Participants are required to attend the Oklahoma Arts Conference in the fall to graduate from the program. Class sessions are devoted to hands-on learning, group work, panel discussions, and tours of community art spaces. Reading assignments are sent to participants prior to each meeting.
Who Can Benefit from Leadership Arts?
Oklahomans involved in arts and non-arts fields can benefit from participating in Leadership Arts. The program offers tools for individuals working in any field who have an interest in using the arts to improve their local communities and schools. Participants have included staff and board members of nonprofit organizations, artists, community developers, business leaders, tribal representatives, civic leaders, educators, community volunteers, and others.
What You Will Learn
Leadership Arts curriculum is designed for adult learners across cultural and educational backgrounds. Participants will learn why and how the arts make a significant contribution to Oklahoma's economy, how communities have developed arts programs and vibrant arts spaces to enhance quality of life, how the arts improve the image of cities and neighborhoods while serving as a centerpiece for community engagement, and how the arts cultivate creativity, attracting and retaining a creative workforce.
Sessions are interactive and will expand participants' understanding of group dynamics and the value of group work. Leadership Arts will help you better articulate and advocate for the arts in Oklahoma, design strategies for employing local assets for cultural development, work towards creative partnerships and consensus building, and teach you to mobilize your leadership capacity and the capacity of others.
Leadership Arts Graduates
Since Leadership Arts began in 2008, hundreds of Oklahomans from all parts of the state have graduated from the program and are now working to improve their communities through arts and culture. View graduates.
Questions?
For more information contact our Director Community Arts and Workforce Programs.