Rising Leaders is a rigorous and highly interactive personal development initiative committed to the advancement of Michigan's arts leaders, a program designed and facilitated by MCACA and Partners in Performance, the nation's preeminent designer and facilitator of leadership development initiatives for the arts and culture sector.
Over a six-month period, fifteen participants participate in a series of activities that includes three intensives focusing on self-awareness and self-management; mutual influence; and gaining tools to create communities and a state where everyone can experience and express creativity in their daily lives. Participants commit to three in-person meetings as well as individual reflection work. Participants were chosen through an application process to MCACA.
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.
MCACA will not be accepting applications for the 2020-2021 year of Rising Leaders (running October 2020 - April 2021) due to the impact of COVID-19. Please check back in early 2021 for updates on applying for the 2021-22 cohort.
Contact MCACA Arts Education Program Manager Chad Swan-Badgero at 517-241-6747 or BadgeroC@michigan.org.
Of all of the seminars, trainings, and other retreats I have attended in my life, this is one of the most lovely and valuable I have ever experienced. From start to finish, from the cohorts to the accommodations, MCACA outdid themselves putting together a top-notch leadership intensive that forged great relationships, expanded horizons and approaches, and exposed us to new ways of thinking. Worth every minute.
I've attended several leadership trainings, and the Rising Leaders program didn't focus on just the work, or how to work with others, but focused on us as individuals and how we work with others and do the work. That refreshing approach was everything.
From the talented leaders in the class, the accommodations, to John McCann's gracious and compassionate listening and instruction, everything was top notch!
The program was amazing. I was unsure of what to expect beyond a usual leadership program, but this was so specifically tailored to non-profits and seemed to fit flawlessly with where I am in my career, that it just nailed it.
I've taken more ownership of being able to be a leader even if I'm not in a leadership position within my organization.
I am more direct and honest in my feedback to others. I spend less time trying to mask my mistakes or shortcomings and spend more time being solution oriented.
I cannot fully say how much I appreciated the views and differences each participant brought to this experience.
Stepping away from our daily grind and surrounding ourselves in professional development to take that time to really connect with ourselves and review our roles was so necessary.
The most helpful part of the program is that it was ultimately focused on improving each of us as people, not as workers at our jobs. That focus on each of us as individuals helped to create an amazing atmosphere of openness and learning, which was the most helpful part of the program.
