Author: Andie Freeman
This past spring and early summer, the North Carolina Arts Council partnered with Triangle ArtWorks to present a new professional development program, ArtsCore. Over the past five years, senior leadership in arts organizations has turned over because of retirements and the pressures of COVID. Consequently, younger and new leaders are stepping into these roles and seeking guidance, mentorship, and an understanding of the state's arts landscape. As a statewide service organization, Triangle ArtWorks provides a wide array of professional development, making it the perfect partner to facilitate this training by veteran arts leaders and consultants for leaders with less than five years on the job. To enhance the experience, leaders can network and share knowledge as they grow in their roles.
The first cohort of 20 arts leaders met from April through July for three in-person and virtual classes. These covered the North Carolina arts ecosystem, the role of the executive director, and working with boards. Experts with extensive knowledge of the arts in North Carolina led the classes. Presenters were North Carolina Arts Council Deputy Director Vicki Vitiello, Arts North Carolina Executive Director Nate McGaha, Arts Council of Wilmington/NHC Executive Director Rhonda Bellamy, North Carolina Theatre Conference Executive Director Angie Hayes, Associate Professor of Arts Administration at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Hannah Grannemann, and Cultivate for Good Executive Director Wendy Adams.
Reflecting on the first cohort, Hannah Grannemann said, “The participants responded very positively. They told us that the information, advice, and experiences shared by the presenters were not only helpful but immediately useful. That said, the part of ArtsCore they found most impactful was the chance to connect with other arts leaders from across the state. Hearing how others are navigating the day-to-day challenges and knowing they’re not alone in doing this work was powerful.”
Given the enthusiastic response, the N.C. Arts Council and Triangle ArtWorks are planning to offer workshops this fall to a new cohort. Hannah Grannemann will serve as the project coordinator and develop a new curriculum, building from feedback on the first round. Beth Yerxa, of Triangle ArtWorks, will continue to provide program oversight, content development, and facilitation, with support from the organization’s program administration and marketing staff.
“This kind of training is essential,” Grannemann told us. “It's a strength that arts leaders come from a range of professional backgrounds. Sometimes the job is their first role in the arts, in the nonprofit sector, or in leadership. Programs such as ArtsCore ensure that arts leaders are equipped with best practices and peer support to be as effective as possible for their organizations and communities.”
She continued, “We’re in a time of transformation in the arts, and we need leaders who can guide their organizations through change. I’m excited to be part of supporting those leaders, because when they thrive, the whole arts ecosystem in our state thrives, too.”