The NYFA Emerging Leaders program has been nothing short of a game-changer for me. Through this wonderful initiative, I’ve not only grown my leadership skills but also gained a deeper, more nuanced understanding of leadership in the context of the ever-evolving landscape of the arts. I leave this program with a renewed sense of confidence, clarity, and an expanded network that will continue to influence and elevate my career for years to come.
Emerging Leaders Program
- Managers
- Arts Administrators
Image: Yue Yin, Image Credit: Alice Chacon
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NYFA’s original leadership training, this year-long program helps manager-level arts administrators from NYC and the surrounding area navigate the field and optimize their contributions to it. Preparing them for future advancement, the program focuses on management, coaching, and influencing skills that are critical for their central roles. The 2026 Emerging Leaders program was made possible with funding from The Willem de Kooning Foundation.
Program Highlights
Opening Intensive
This five-day experience serves as a unique leadership retreat for participants to turn their focus towards their leadership practice and strategic career goals.
Peer-Learning Pods
Supported by program alumni who serve as Pod Advisors, participants gather virtually in bi-monthly pods to workshop leadership questions and provide peer support.
Virtual Workshops
Executive coaches lead bi-monthly workshops to cover the various skills manager-level leaders need to succeed.
Closing Intensive
Participants reconvene at the end of the year to mark their progress with their individual leadership goals, and chart their continuing career trajectory.
Alumni Lunch
Convened as a culminating event for the current cohort and kick-off for the next, alumni from all years are hosted annually to connect with each other.
Eligibility
- Manager-level administrators in full-time employment by 501(c)3 arts and cultural organizations, managing at least one person at their organization.
- Commitment to attendance at all mandatory sessions.
- Open to participants from the five boroughs of New York City and Tri-State area within commuting distance of New York City.
Application Requirements
For the application, we ask you to provide:
- Organization information
- A description of your current role and responsibilities
- Why you are interested in applying to this program and goals relative to your leadership career path within the next 2-5 years
- The impact you’d like this program to have for your organization, your role, or an institutional challenge you are facing
- A narrative bio of your professional career
- Contact details of your supervisor and confirmed permission to participate
How to Apply
Applications closed on Wednesday, December 17.
NYFA only accept applications through Submittable. First-time users will need to register with Submittable to access the application portal.
Notification: Applicants will be notified on or before February 6, 2026
Questions? Contact the NYFA Learning team at learning@nyfa.org with “Emerging Leaders Program” in the subject line.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by alumni of the program and outside executive professional(s).
To request an accommodation or assistance in applying, please email learning@nyfa.org. We ask that requests for accommodation be made as soon as possible or by Tuesday, December 19 to allow adequate time for staff to support you in submitting an application before the deadline.
Mandatory Program Dates
Attendance is mandatory for all sessions, so please check your calendar before applying.
- Intro Meeting: Friday, February 20, 10 AM-12:30 PM
- 5-Day Intensive: Monday-Friday, March 9-13, 10 AM-4 PM
- Virtual Workshops: Fridays 10 AM-1 PM; April 17, June 12, August 14, October 16
- Virtual Pod Meetings: Fridays 10 AM-11:30 AM, March 27, May 15, July 17, September 18, November 13
- Two Day Closing Intensive: Thursday-Friday, December 10-11, 10 AM-4 PM
- Reunion event: February 5, 2027, 5 PM-7:30 PM
How NYFA Supports Arts Leaders
Since 2013, NYFA Learning has supported the careers of arts administrators from over 300 arts and culture organizations in the New York City area and around the state by providing professional development that is tailored to the challenges of this vital profession.
NYFA believes that investing in cultural infrastructure improves the sustainability and success of arts organizations, and ultimately builds stronger connections between artists and administrators, which benefits the entire field. The programs particularly support administrators of color, and organizations which are BIPOC-led, community-based, or rural. Programs are application-based and offered free to participants who are selected by panels of expert colleagues in the field.
From Our Alumni
– Analisa Bell, 2024 Emerging Leaders Participant
This is by far the most helpful career development opportunity I’ve had so far, and the fact that it’s free and created by such prestigious organization like NYFA just makes it even more amazing and special. I finished the program feeling empowered, informed, and capable of continuing doing this work despite what’s going on in this unpredictable world.
– 2024 Emerging Leaders Participant
