Course Details

The course is an intensive study of the current roles and expectations of art and culture leaders using case studies and leadership theories to explore major themes, challenges and trends in arts management. Students will acquire knowledge of basic rules and broad ideas for “turning around” distressed arts organizations, revitalizing dated concepts in arts management, managing organizational growth, planning leadership successions and keeping arts organizations strong through challenging personal and professional times. The course will focus on theory in readings, and it will incorporate the application of theory in class discussions about current events and in research and reflective writing assignments. In the end, students should have a greater understanding of the challenges of leadership and the tools available to address obstacles, both professional and personal, and be able to apply theory to the practice of leadership within arts organizations and programs. We will spend significant hearing from current leaders in their professional settings for question and answer opportunities relevant to the subjects discussed in the classroom.

The major theme for this semester, Fall 2024, will be Opening Doors to Diversity in Leadership.