Guild Announces 2018 Community Arts Education Leadership Institute (CAELI)

The National Guild is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Community Arts Education Leadership Institute (CAELI). Now in its ninth year, CAELI provides an intensive, transformative experience through which both experienced and developing leaders advance their skills through a carefully structured, personalized program, working with top leadership trainers and nationally renowned practitioners.

The eight-month program includes a five-day seminar (July 24-28, 2017) at Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia, a 360-degree feedback process, and follow-up coaching. It is designed and facilitated in collaboration with Partners in Performance, Inc.

The community arts education field, made up a great many and varied types of nonprofit arts education providers, is growing more diverse in all ways, facing complex organizational challenges and undergoing a significant generational transition in leadership. Today's community arts education organization has many stakeholders—students, parents, donors, community partners, faculty, trustees, and staff—each placing their own demands on the institution and its leaders. Organizational effectiveness is frequently dependent upon executives' ability to understand and mediate among these critical yet often competing priorities.

Research has shown that leaders who can establish a unifying vision, devise strategies that align stakeholder commitments, and build a culture of trust and effectiveness are most successful. With the ongoing pressure to deliver the important programs and services that arts education organizations provide, however, many leaders find it difficult to develop this crucial expertise.

"Strong arts organizations require effective and skilled leadership," said National Guild executive director Jonathan Herman. "The Guild’s Community Arts Education Leadership Institute develops the next generation of leaders for our field, which in turn supports the organizations that provide quality arts education to communities across the country."

CAELI is ideally suited for those already in, or preparing to move into, a leadership role at a non-profit organization within the community arts education field. To optimize the learning experience, participation is limited to 26 individuals selected through a competitive application process.

The National Guild is committed to expanding participation to individuals who represent the many diversities of our field, and particularly for African, LatinX, Asian, Arab, and Native American (ALAANA) leaders and representatives of small-budget and culturally-specific organizations. The Guild’s efforts have resulted in increasingly diverse and inclusive CAELI cohorts each year. To promote greater equity and a diverse group of participants, limited need-based financial aid scholarships and travel stipends are available.

The skills and knowledge gained through CAELI will prepare participants to:

  • Manage competing priorities within their organizations
  • Build effective, collaborative organizational cultures amongst their board, staff, faculty/teaching artists, and other stakeholders
  • Articulate organizational vision and implement effective strategies in pursuit of institutional goals
  • Be successful leaders


Graduates of the program will also have access to the support of our vibrant CAELI alumni network; arts education leaders at organizations of all kinds across the country. This network provides community and support, including opportunities for further leadership development and collaboration with peers through Guild-led alumni-only events and workshops.

"The institute offers a perfect balance of instruction, introspection, coaching, and practical application. All of its elements add up to an experience that profoundly helps emerging leaders develop personally and professionally," said one CAELI alum. Another called CAELI, "by far the most comprehensive and effective training experience I have had in my 20 years in arts education."

Application forms, financial aid information, and program details are available online at www.nationalguild.org/caeli. CAELI is a fee-based program, but financial aid and travel stipends are available by application. The application and financial aid deadlines are Friday, April 6. Applicants can learn more about CAELI and the characteristics of a successful application through the Applicant Orientation Webinar, February 14 at 1:00pm ET.

Support for CAELI has been provided by the American Express Foundation, The Cleveland Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts.

Published: January 29, 2018