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 professional development and peer networking opportunities on the national and local level, the program strives to enhance the leadership capacity of its members while seizing on their enthusiasm, creativity, and potential. The Emerging Leaders Network targets professionals 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 Leaders Council
The Emerging Leaders Council is an elected working 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. Click the link above to read the council’s Vision, Mission, and Goals; operating procedures and elections information; or learn more about council members. 

Emerging Leaders Network
The strength of the national Emerging Leaders Network depends on cultivating strong and sustainable local emerging leader networks in communities of all kinds across the country. New professionals need to develop their own cohorts of peers for continued growth, support and renewal. Each local emerging leader network looks and operates differently because each reflects the unique characteristics of its community or region.

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.

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 Leaders listerv, take advantage of scholarships to professional development events, and are eligible to participate on the Emerging Leader Council. Read about more reasons to join Americans for the Arts as an individual or organization.