Designing Leadership is Philadelphia’s premier professional development program designed for nonprofit professionals in the arts and culture sector and creative business professionals in leadership roles. Participants build their skills in key areas such as strategy, communication, power and bias, and management. With renowned local faculty who have a pulse on Philadelphia’s happenings and dozens of participants in each year’s cohort, Designing Leadership also provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect and network with a wide range of professionals across disciplines and backgrounds in the area.
The Arts + Business Council recognizes this year has brought unparalleled change and many have been financially effected. This year, there is no cost to participate in Designing Leadership for nonprofit professionals in the arts and culture sector. There is a $1,250 program fee for creative business professionals.
Limited space is available and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning February 15, 2021. Applicants must demonstrate their professional connection to the Greater Philadelphia creative community and be in a management or leadership role.
SPRING 2021 CURRICULUM
Section 1: Individual Leadership
Reimagine your defining qualities, challenge imposter and survivor syndrome, and apply new approaches to project management.
Session 2: Holistic Leadership
Explore the effects balanced approaches can have on yourself and your organization or business. Build resiliency, embrace change, and support emotional work through individual and collective wellness.
Session 3: Implicit Bias
Discover how perceptions and assumptions impact day-to-day interactions, projects, and decisions. Learn tools and practices to anticipate bias and promote inclusive thinking individually and among teams.
Session 4: Take the Lead
Practice inclusive accountability, conflict management, and decision making when (not) in power. Explore the differences between mentorship, coaching, and management.
Session 5: Virtual Reality
Feel connected with what you do and continue to build community with others, remotely. Lead in a crisis by balancing damage control with longer term strategy.
Session 6: Lead the Way Forward
Dare to dream – find the inspiration and vision to creatively and positively effect change. Dig deeper into topics from the program with different specialists.
This year’s Designing Leadership program will be virtual and held via Zoom. Sessions will include a mix of individual and group workshops, presentations, and panels. Due to the interactive nature of the program, participants are expected to attend each session in full.
Testimonials
“A healthy cultural sector means a health and vibrant city. This program is unmatched in any city in which I have lived and worked. The curriculum is carefully crafted to make our cultural leaders stronger, which makes our cultural institutions stronger which, of course, strengthens the fabric of our great city.”
Crystal Brewe, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
“No path to leadership is easy, and that is especially true for designers. Yet these skills are no less vital to individual and corporate growth. Put design to work for your company. Advocate for the leadership development of your in-house team an you will undoubtedly see the return on your investment.”
Christine Sheller, President, AIGA Philadelphia and Vice President, Design, FS Investments
More information for creative business professionals
For creative business professionals, many employers support the program fee as an investment in leadership development and community engagement. Interested individuals are encouraged to inquire about their professional development with their department and/or supervisor. The Arts + Business Council is available to assist with facilitating a conversation between an interested professional and their employer.
The Arts + Business Council recognizes this year has brought unparalleled change to the arts and culture sector and many organizations have been financially effected. Please contact [email protected] if your business would like to participate but the fee poses a financial hardship.
Presenting Partner
