Eligibility Criteria and Requirements:

Age: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Experience: Emerging art administrators in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community are eligible, regardless of their age if 18+. This category includes individuals who may have completed a few projects but do not yet have ongoing resources or support (no more than three consecutive years in the field of arts administration in a full time or in a free-lance position).

Current students (graduate and undergraduate) are eligible but cannot use the grant to substitute for internships or current academic work, and have to be able to commit to a full-time fellowship (35 - 40 hours/week).

Interest and Knowledge: Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in and knowledge of the arts and cultural sector.

Commitment: Fellows must be able to commit to a full-time fellowship program for the designated duration of 12 months starting in early 2024 (no later than February 1). The mode of work is to be negotiated by the host and the fellow with the goal of ensuring the most efficient outcomes.

Professional Development: Applicants should express a strong desire to further develop their skills and knowledge in arts administration through the fellowship program.

Collaboration: Fellows should have the ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups within a co-learning community.

Legal Authorization: Fellows must have legal authorization to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship, as some positions may require employment eligibility verification. They need to have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Residency: Applicants must be residents of California.

Application Process:

Applying for the Fellowship program involves a two-part process:

1.  Completed application form, along with a Resume/Curriculum Vitae and Statement of Interest*, must be submitted by September 20, 2023.

2. Following a rigorous evaluation process, selected candidates will be invited for an interview by November 10, 2023.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of arts administrators and arts administration educators. The organizers will do their best to notify applicants by November 13, 2023, though the evaluation process might take longer depending on the number of applications.

* Guidelines for Statement of Interest:

A Statement of Interest is a brief description (up to 500 words) of the applicant's interest in the Arts Administration Fellowship. 

Please address the following aspects: 

-The impact you see the Fellowship having on your arts administration career. What goals do you want to achieve and why would you like to participate in the program at this moment of your career?

-The potential impact you envision making as an emerging arts administrator, both within your host organization and the broader arts sector.

-Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and/or educational background that make you a strong candidate for the fellowship.

-Describe skills, cultural competencies, and knowledge in arts administration that you’re willing to expand and master.

-Characteristics and qualities you are seeking in an ideal host organization; specific examples of specific California-based art organizations are welcome.

-Demonstrate your commitment to addressing barriers to participation and advancing equity within the arts and cultural sector.

-Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in diverse teams and co-learning communities.

Application Review Criteria 

A review panel will evaluate all eligible applications based on the following criteria. Application questions will address these same criteria. 

Career Impact and Goals (50%):

Clarity of vision for the Fellowship's impact on the candidate's career.

Clear and achievable goals for professional development.

Relevance of the Fellowship to the candidate's career trajectory. 

Explanation of why participating in the Fellowship at this particular stage of their career is crucial and beneficial.

Potential Impact as an Emerging Arts Administrator (30%):

Evidence of the candidate's potential contributions to the host organization and the arts sector.

Imaginative ideas for driving positive change within the organization and the broader arts community.

Articulation of the candidate's unique value as an emerging arts administrator.

Motivation for acquiring and utilizing cultural competences in arts administration.

Quality (20%):

Strength and relevance of arts administration skills possessed or desired by the candidate.

Description of the candidate's expectations from an ideal host organization.

Openness to learning from diverse perspectives and experiences and commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the art sector.

Placement Process:

After being selected by the review panel, applicants will be matched with arts organizations across California that can provide a fellowship experience aligned with each candidate's professional skills and goals. To ensure exposure to the geographic and cultural diversity of California, a broad range of host organizations will be sought.

Reporting:

At the conclusion of the Arts Administration Fellowship, each Fellow will be required to submit a feedback form discussing their work experience and its impact on their professional development. Additionally, selected audio/visual documentation may be included as appropriate. Interim feedback and regular check-ins will be scheduled.

Confirmation