This is a transcription of a session from the Grantmakers in the Arts 1999 conference, Strengthening the Arts Through Policy, Performance and Practice, held on November 14-17, 1999 in San Francisco, California.

This panel, moderated by Catherine Wichterman, explored both the theory and practice of leadership, and issues of leadership transition, in the arts. How can founder-driven arts organizations prepare for the inevitable transition of leadership? What can funders do to better assess effective leadership and invest in skill development for the future? Leadership models, successful retention strategies, the role of boards, and other aspects of organizational leadership were covered as part of this discussion.