Global Executive Arts Management Fellowship

About the Open Call

Led by DeVos Institute Founder & Chairman Michael M. Kaiser and President Brett Egan, this high-intensity program serves executives of arts, culture, heritage and humanities non-profits worldwide. It provides training and guidance in strategic planning, leadership, fundraising, marketing, board governance, human resources, and financial planning coupled with peer learning, networking, and time for personal reflection. It is designed as both a catalyst for leaders at critical points in their careers, as well as a high-touch, long-term investment in a generation of leaders who will support one another, and their fields of service, for a lifetime. Individuals engage in the Fellowship at a point of career inflection when they are well-positioned to make a significant investment in their work at their organization and their role as a leader in their field. Fellows pursue the program through the lens of their current organization–developing, implementing, and refining strategies for their organization through its curriculum. It serves CEOs, Executive Directors, General Managers, and similar who have strategic responsibilities across all core functions of their organization. Past Fellows have come from a range of backgrounds – some are founders and executive directors of organizations which they have grown to a point of maturity, while others are 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. The program provides three sequential years of fully-subsidized training, travel, housing, and living support. Fellows attend a four-week residency in July/early August for three consecutive years and engage in cohort-based activities between residencies. The residency location is selected each year in or near a major U.S. city such as Washington, D.C. It introduces a new cohort and matriculates a returning cohort each summer, allowing each Fellow to engage with five cohorts over the three-year engagement. 5-7 Fellows are selected to begin the program each year through a competitive application process. Each residency serves approximately 20 Fellows across 1st year, 2nd year, and 3rd year cohorts. Founded in 2001, the Fellowship network has over 250 alumni around the United States and in over 50 countries. The program is grounded in the Institute’s management philosophy, The Cycle, which maintains that success for cultural organizations in today’s climate requires a mastery of four, sequential actions: 1. The consistent production of bold, surprising, high-quality art/programming; 2. Aggressive marketing that creates demand for this art/programming, and the institution behind it, attracting and exciting patrons; 3. Cultivation of the resulting “family” of ticket-buyers, trustees, and supporters, drawn by this art and marketing, and those who wish to see the organization succeed; and 4. Fundraising that transforms the goodwill of this family into resources through contributions, volunteerism, and board service. Institute leadership and guest speakers deliver seminars and case studies in long-term artistic/program planning, marketing, fundraising, board development, financial management, human resources, and strategic planning, among other topics. Fellows also participate in strategic planning exercises, site visits, and independent and collective learning opportunities designed for the needs of the cohort.

What is Offered

The program provides three sequential years of fully-subsidized training, travel, housing, and living support. This includes air and ground transportation between the Fellowship residency location and their state or country of residence, lodging during the Fellowship (private housing with efficiency kitchen), a per diem to cover living expenses, visa sponsorship for international applicants, and program materials.

Requirements

Applicants must currently serve as the CEO, Executive Director, General Manager or similar in an arts, culture, heritage, or humanities non-profit in a full-time, paid, and permanent capacity. Eligible candidates should report directly to the Board of Directors (or equivalent) or the CEO (or equivalent) and have strategic responsibilities across all core functions. The organization must have a minimum of three full-time staff members, three years of consistent programming history, and an operating budget of at least $250,000 USD / €220,000 EUR equivalent. Applicants must have an excellent command of business English (orally and written) and be able to commit to the full three-year term of the Fellowship, including four-week residencies each July/early August.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through November 6, 2025. Apply online via the provided link. For questions on eligibility, review the frequently asked questions or email fellowships@devosinstitute.net.