Skip to main content

ARTS LEADERS AS CULTURAL INNOVATORS

Arts Leaders as Cultural Innovators (ALACI)

is a nine-month leadership program designed for emerging Executive and Artistic Directors who are ready to spark new ideas, foster collaboration, and lead adaptive change in the arts. Unlike traditional leadership training, ALACI combines hands-on learning, executive coaching, and peer support, equipping participants to apply new approaches within their organizations immediately.

Why ALACI?

Real-World Impact:

Apply what you learn directly to your organization or community. This accelerates your growth and leads to meaningful, visible results.

Supportive Community:

Join a network of peers who share your values. Exchange insights, troubleshoot challenges, and build lasting professional relationships.

Practical Skills:

Gain tools and frameworks for leading through complexity. From creative problem solving to collaborative team building, everything you learn is designed for real-life use.

What You Will Experience:

Interactive Seminars

Connect with your cohort in energizing in-person sessions that expand your thinking. Learn adaptive leadership frameworks, practice new skills, and build meaningful relationships with peers.

One-on-One Coaching

Work with experienced coaches for individualized support. You’ll fine-tune your goals, navigate challenges, and explore creative solutions tailored to your leadership context.

Hands-On Experiments

Between seminars, you’ll try out “small experiments with radical intent”, testing new strategies in real time. These experiments help you discover what works, what needs adjusting, and how to lead adaptively.

Online Learning & Reflection

Stay engaged through a dedicated online platform featuring videos, readings, and group discussions. This space keeps ideas flowing and encourages continuous reflection and growth.

Community Engagement

Bring your board members, staff, or stakeholders into the process. By including others in your learning journey, you create ripple effects that strengthen your organization and community.

Who Should Join?

Executive or Artistic Directors in their first one to five years of leadership who are ready to grow, reflect, and lead with intention.

The Results:

Participants who complete the program leave with:

  • Increased confidence in navigating complexity and uncertainty
  • Stronger networks of supportive peers and experienced mentors
  • Practical tools and mindsets for ongoing innovation and adaptation
  • A clear vision for leading in partnership with their team and community
Ready to Make Real Change Happen?

Partner with us to support a new generation of arts leaders equipped to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and strengthen communities. By funding a cohort, you’re investing in leadership that is adaptive, collaborative, and deeply rooted in the real-world work of cultural change.

Program Testimonials
“

This program is really tailored to people who want to make change, people who want to be introspective about their leadership practice and who are interested in trying to elevate their ability to make an impact, not only with their team and their team culture, but also with the community.

Christian GreerPresident and CEO, Michigan Science Center
“

There's never a point in one's career where it's too soon or too late to be a part of this.

Jova LynneCo-Director/Artistic Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
“

I'm able to see significant change in myself and the organization I work at.

Sarah Clare CorporandyFounder/Co-Producing Artistic Director, Detroit Public Theatre
CULTURE SOURCE -293
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop151
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop331
Copy of DSC02105
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop297
Copy of DSC02087
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop145
Copy of DSC02123
CULTURE SOURCE -290
Copy of DSC02319
CULTURE SOURCE -083
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop114
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop266
CULTURE SOURCE -160
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop061
Copy of DSC02148
Copy of DSC02155
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop030
Copy of DSC02163
Copy of DSC02224
CULTURE SOURCE -067
CULTURE SOURCE -123
CULTURE SOURCE -147
CULTURE SOURCE -151
CULTURE SOURCE -182
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop099
CULTURE SOURCE -210
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop001
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop003
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop006
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop024
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop037
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop051
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop342
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop053
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop085
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop206
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop228
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop232
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop247
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop272
CultureSource_Mexicantown_Workshop337
In Memoriam

EmcArts co-founder and long-time president Richard Evans passed away in 2022 after battling an aggressive cancer. Before his passing, Richard spearheaded the integration of EmcArts into CultureSource—securing a permanent Southeast Michigan home for the practice of adaptive changemaking that he pioneered in the cultural sector.

EmcArts, a social enterprise for innovation and adaptive change in the arts, worked for over 20 years to strengthen the capacity of arts leaders and organizations. Richard designed and implemented a sustained series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to help arts organizations design and manage innovation and adapt to changing environments.

CultureSource is dedicated to honoring Richard’s legacy by continuing his work of ensuring the sustained vitality of our most cherished arts organizations.

Stay Current with CultureSource!

Subscribe