Rising Leaders

Program Description

Over a six-month period, fifteen participants take part in a series of three intensives focused on individual development and skills building, mutual influence, and gaining tools to help create organizations and communities where everyone can experience and express creativity in their daily lives. Participants commit to three in-person meetings. Participants are chosen through an application process to MACC.

Program participants from across the state of Michigan gain tools and perspective needed to strengthen their leadership skills and develop relationships with an extraordinary cohort of peers dedicated to advancing the arts and culture field.

The application period for the 2026-2027 cohort of Rising Leaders (running October 2026 - April 2027) is now open. Download an informational sheet on the program. 

CLICK HERE to complete the application for the 2026-2027 Rising Leaders Cohort. Deadline to apply: Tuesday June 30, 2026. Those accepted into the cohort will be notified by the end of July.

Questions?

Contact MACC Arts Education Program Manager Chad Swan-Badgero at 517-881-9472 or [email protected].

Michigan Arts and Culture Council Rising Leaders Program

Heading into its seventh cohort, MACC’s Rising Leaders program has been developing and uplifting the state’s arts and culture leaders since 2018

Read About the Program's Success

Testimonials from former Rising Leaders Participants

While I can say I've participated in several leadership institutes in the past, "Rising Leaders" blew the other ones out of the water. I'm thinking this is for two reasons. 1) it was specific to arts leaders so I already had that common denominator w/ my cohort going in. 2) with each in-person session being shorter, lessons were more concentrated and focused so it felt like every minute was worth it, plus there was plenty of time to relax and let it all "soak in" mentally. Excellent pacing!

I refer back to my notes from our workshops more often now in the urgency to meet the moment. I feel less alone knowing that a whole network of friends and allies are out there.   

I now have more tools to utilize in my daily leadership opportunities and have noticed growth as a leader within myself.

This was my first time working with a cohort over a long period of time, rather than a single day workshop, quick series of short workshops. I loved the opportunity that gave me to reflect and put things into practice, come back to discuss, learn more and do it again.

I am more confident in where I stand as a leader. I have taken stock of my values and I am more grounded in how I approach others in problem solving.

I’ve taken time to pause listen and consider more before responding and ensure that my response is building upon the other thoughts being shared in the space. This additional awareness and skill has been helpful in communication both in and out of the workplace.

Loved being able to connect with a group of peers from throughout the state, and get to know them personally and their work and passions.

What a wonderful experience to do leadership training with people of like minds and from different areas of the state. I enjoyed learning about all their various art forms. It gave me a real appreciation for mediums outside of my own and expanded how I thought about my own artistic medium in relation to others.

The connections facilitated between other young leaders in the state, the commitment by the arts council to invest in young leaders in the arts, and the space to share insights, experiences, and ideas for new ways of working with peers were truly the most valuable aspects of this program.

More than anything I think the experience of participating in the program was as valuable as the content itself. Unlike other workshops and conferences, the small intimate size of the participant group did indeed lend itself to a richer learning environment.

I am forever thankful for the experiences that I have gained in this program and it's made me feel supported overall in the arts.