DeVos Institute Fellowship for U.S. and international Arts Managers

The DeVos Institute Fellowship for arts managers from the US and around the world serves entrepreneurial executives in the arts and cultural sector who are prepared to look critically at their work, challenge assumptions, and develop rigorous strategies to address the most pressing challenges facing their organizations, regions, and art forms at large. Applications are due to November 18 2022 by 12:00 PM EST.

Designed for individuals who have dedicated themselves to management, rather than artistic leadership, the program supports leaders in positions of decision-making authority in developing, implementing, and refining organizational strategies over a three-year, cohort-based engagement.

At the DeVos Institute, people believe that creative practice is an essential expression of the dignity, aspirations, and achievements of individuals, communities, and societies, and that pro-active support for creative practice as a platform for intercultural, and international, cooperation is required in a healthy global society. Led by Institute Founder, Michael M. Kaiser, and President, Brett Egan, the Fellowship is equally tactical and aspirational in exemplifying these beliefs. The program emphasizes critical organizational capacities in long-term artistic planning, marketing, fundraising, board development, and financial management; while provoking broader questions of mission, relevance, impact, and the role of art - and the dialogue it provokes - as an instrument of peace.

Individuals typically engage in the Fellowship at point of inflection in their career, where an infusion of strategic training, mentorship, peer learning, and reflection is necessary to advance both their work in the organization and their role as a leader in their field. Past Fellows have come from a range of backgrounds - many are founders and executive directors of their own organizations which they have grown to a point of maturity, while others are new or established leaders within iconic institutions or contemporary platforms. All Fellows share a deep commitment to the role of arts, culture, and creative practice in their respective societies and an inquisitiveness that drives them to engage deeply in the immersive and collaborative environment. On average, Fellows bring 10-20 years of professional experience to reflect upon.

Fellows attend a four-week residency in Washington, D.C. in July for three consecutive years and engage in mentoring and cohort-based activities between residencies. The program is provided free of charge through a competitive application process.

Applicant Criteria

The fellowship is designed to be pursued through the context of each Fellow’s current organization. As such, applicants must:

Currently serve as the executive director (or equivalent) or the head of a major department within an arts or cultural organization in a paid, permanent capacity. While the program is equally impactful for leaders working in large and small organizations, the applicant’s organization must have a minimum of three full-time staff members, five years of consistent programming history, and an operating budget of at least the equivalent of $250,000 USD/ €220,000 EUR;
Have an excellent command of business English, orally and written; and
Be able to commit to the full term of the Fellowship. (Four weeks in June/July for three consecutive years.)

Fellows receive:

Air and ground transportation between Washington, D.C. and their state or country of residence
Lodging during the Fellowship
Per diem to cover living expenses during the Fellowship
Visa sponsorship (for international applicants)
Program materials

How to Apply

The 2023-2025 Fellowship application is available here. To apply, please submit a Letter of Intent by Friday, November 18 by 12:00 PM EST.

About the Institute

The DeVos Institute of Arts Management provides training, consultation, and implementation support for arts managers and their boards. It operates on the premise that while much is spent to train artists, too little is spent to support the managers and boards who keep those artists at work. At the same time, rapid changes in technology, demographics, government policy, and the economy have complicated the job of the manager and volunteer trustees. Institute leadership and consultants - all arts managers themselves - understand that, in todays environment, there is no time or resource to waste. Therefore, Institute services are lean, direct, and practical.

The DeVos Institute has served more than 1,000 organizations from over 80 countries since Michael M. Kaiser founded it during his tenure as President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. While environments, objectives, and disciplines vary, each of our clients shares the desire to create, market, and sustain exemplary cultural programs. The DeVos Institute has designed its services to assist a wide range of institutions, from traditional performing and presenting organizations, museums, galleries, art schools, and libraries, to botanical gardens, glass-making studios, public art trusts, and nonpro t cinemas, to name a few.

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