What is Next Up?
NextUp! Leaders Lab is a 1 year professional development training focused on mentorship and education and networking. We provide tools to prepare young racialized arts leaders 18-35, with a priority on Black and Indigenous individuals, to step into strategic leadership of their own arts initiative and senior-level positions in Arts Administration.
Who is NextUp! Leaders Lab for?
Our next cohort has 12 spots available for someone 18- 35* who:
- Identifies as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour
- May identify as trans or non Binary
- Is holding coordination or management-level positions in an arts organization seeking to step into executive leadership in their own or other arts & culture organization
- Is seeking to transition their arts based initiative/practice into an organization
NextUp! Leaders Lab Goals
- To support increased skill development in art leadership and management
- To build shared critical analysis and sense of belonging amongst a new generation of arts leaders
Program Format:
The program is centered around 4 learning pillars and divided into 4 sections over 1 a one year period.
Empowerment
Next Up is a co-learning space, our cohort members come with a unique set of experiences and knowledge and we encourage participants to approach leadership with their authentic selves. We build Cohort connections through group discussions, regular meetings and small projects. We also provide opportunities for cohort members to lead and facilitate knowledge sharing within the program and as alumni.
During the first 2 months of the program, cohort members work with the group mentor to
build connection within the cohort by creating co learning agreements, reviewing and adding to our community of practice and set goals and intentions for their learning journey.
Education
Skill Development Modules delivered online and in person. Facilitators are professionals bringing in their analysis of power, wealth distribution, imposter syndrome and inequitable access in the context of being racialized leaders navigating often predominantly white spaces. Each module has 1 creative practice assignment connected to the content for the NextUp! cohort to work on in their own time. Cohort members are given on average 2-4 weeks to complete the module. Learning modules are introduced in the 3rd month of the program and participants are encouraged to complete all learning modules videos by month 9.
Mentorship
Cohort members have access to the 1:1 mentors throughout the program, mentorship events are introduced in month 7.
Our mentorship component includes:
- 1 on 1 mentorship from 6 arts and culture professionals with a wide range of expertise in management and executive leadership.
- 1 Group Mentor to support group dynamics, building and maintaining mentor relationships and goal tracking.
- Additional check-in from the program coordinator to support with building professional relationships, group dynamics and project management
- Partner curated mentorship panels and talks
Networking
Networking opportunities come up throughout the year and we believe building social capital is an integral part of leadership development, our current networking component includes:
- Partner produced networking events
- Continued Alumni engagement after the program ends.
- Monthly Newsletter inclusive of relevant event listings, opportunities and cohort member spotlights
- Group field trips to different events related to the arts and culture sector.
- Opportunities to skill share and speak about your work
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE 2023- 2024 COHORT!
How to apply:
- Fill out the application form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YzsppRYlx_fEdVpqOblK9hgJzcqHOINtZ9D6nWU12fQ/edit
- We’ll be in touch with next steps.
*If you’re over 35 and want to participate in NextUp! Leaders Lab is for you. Let’s talk!
Contact Felicia at Felicia@sketch.ca for more info.
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