about us

The Americans for the Arts Emerging Leaders Network works to identify and cultivate the next generation of arts leaders in America. It is an ideal way for new leaders to share their interests with other arts professionals as they develop their skills and their commitment to the arts. Through meetings, conferences, awards, discounts, surveys, shadowing opportunities, and an active listserv composed of leaders nationwide, the program strives to enhance the leadership capacity of its members while seizing on their enthusiasm, creativity, and potential. Americans for the Arts targets professionals new to the field who are 35 years of age or younger or who have less than five years of experience, but invites arts leaders from every age range to participate.

Emerging Leader Council
The Emerging Leader Council is an elected advisory body to Americans for the Arts and assists in developing programs and resources to promote the growth, development, and sustenance of emerging arts professionals nationwide. Read the council’s Vision, Mission, and Goals; operating procedures and elections information; or learn more about council members on this page.

Professional Member Benefits
If you are an emerging leader professional in the field of arts administration, we hope you will consider becoming a professional member of Americans for the Arts. Professional emerging leader members can sign up for the Emerging Leader listerv, take advantage of discounts to our annual convention, and are eligible to participate on the Emerging Leader Council, in the Emerging Leadership Exchange, and to apply for an Emerging Leader Scholarship to attend the convention. We are constantly looking for new professional member benefits that will appeal to emerging leaders. Intrigued? Read about more reasons to join Americans for the Arts as a professional member.

Americans for the Arts Chair Steven D. Spiess supports the Emerging Leaders Network
Steven D. Spiess, the chair of the Americans for the Arts board of directors, strongly encourages the professional growth of emerging leaders.