ASPIRE Arts Leadership
The field of Arts Management and Administration encompasses a broad range of talents and responsibilities. At KCACTF Region 6, we are committed to supporting students with an interest in these areas with events and opportunities that will strengthen their skills and marketability. This program is designed to cultivate a new generation of artistic and administrative leaders for the American Theater with a focus of engaging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and members of other groups that are consistently underrepresented in the field. This diverse national cohort of fellows assembled from all of KCACTF’s eight regions will engage in topics concerning equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism as well as leadership skills building, investigation of institutional challenges, and professional networking opportunities. Program highlights include workshop and discussions by/with current professionals working in the areas of arts administration and management.
No previous experience with arts administration necessary.
ASPIRE Region 6 2019
What is the ASPIRE Arts Leadership Fellows Program?
The KCACTF/LORT ASPIRE Arts Leadership Fellows Program is designed to cultivate a new generation of artistic and administrative leaders for the American Theater with a focus of engaging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and members of other groups that are consistently underrepresented in the field. This diverse national cohort of fellows assembled from all of KCACTF’s eight regions will engage in topics concerning equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism as well as leadership skills building, investigation of institutional challenges, and professional networking opportunities.
In 2023, the eight regions will join forces to present centralized ASPIRE Arts Leadership programming which will include workshops and discussions curated by all of KCACTF’s ASPIRE Regional Coordinators, National ASPIRE Chair Stefanie Sertich and the National ASPIRE team. Regional festivals will still host in-person workshops in arts leadership, but the selection process for this program to attend the KCACTF National Festival will take place through the centralized program.
Students interested in the world of arts leadership are encouraged to register for this program. Whether you hope to become an artistic leader or you are curious about how theaters operate, ASPIRE is a fantastic festival opportunity, and 2023 offers us the opportunity to connect virtually with fellow theater artists and leaders from across the country.
ASPIRE Arts Leadership Regional Festival 2025
Students interested in ASPIRE programing can participate in two ways:
In-person at our KCACTF Region 6 Conference
Virtually
***There will be a virtual ASPIRE 2025 Introduction/Q&A held on Zoom on Sunday, Dec 8th, 5-6 PM EST for further information.*** Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84281622059?pwd=e85BDg5luFW8blmO7k2YvXiJgCRIbf.1
Specific In-Person Schedule for 2025 is will be posted here, as well as, Sched when available.
Virtual ASPIRE Program (March 1-2, 2025):
We are offering a free virtual program on these dates. Please add the link and information to your regional websites:
ASPIRE Virtual Program Information - Deadline January 12, 2025
National ASPIRE Arts Leadership Cohort
One fellow from each region will be selected, based on the successful completion of the creative final presentation to a panel of selectors, to join the National ASPIRE Arts Leadership cohort in Washington, D.C. for a week-long fellowship. To be considered for the National Fellowship, full attendance and participation in the centralized program is required. All students who present will receive feedback on their work from faculty and professional theatre leaders.
Applicants for the ASPIRE Arts Leadership Program are evaluated based on potential and interest to:
Create and articulate an artistic or administrative vision.
Lead and inspire others.
Collaborate with all members of a team.
Engage within the community at large.
Think outside the box and innovate.
Articulate the theatre's role and relevance in global diversity and current events.
For more information on the final presentation, click here
ASPIRE Prep Video Series.
Registration
You will only be asked to sign up; no need to prepare a resume or cover letter. You do not need to be nominated by a faculty member to participate. If you are attending the Regional Fstival in person, you will still need to register for that through your region's website.
Deadline ASAP
Questions? Contact Us
Dóri Bosnyák (Coordinator)
Divya Janardhan (Vice Coordinator)
Stefanie Sertich (National ASPIRE Chair)