NALAC Leadership Institute

Through the lens of Latinx arts and culture, the NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI) uses a comprehensive curriculum that addresses strategic planning, programming, budgeting, marketing, fundraising, governance, evaluation, and advocacy.

Deadline Extended: 2023 NALAC Leadership Institute

New deadline to apply is February 13, 2023, at 11:59PM CST

The NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI) is an immersive week-long arts leadership and professional development program for Latinx artists, arts administrators, and cultural workers working in all media or disciplines. The NLI takes place in-person in NALAC’s hometown of San Antonio, Texas and includes visits to local cultural centers and historic sites. This 23rd edition of the Institute will take place between July 9-15, 2023.

2023 NALAC Leadership Institute Guidelines

Guidelines Quick View

Eligibility

A cohort of 25-30 individuals will be selected to attend the NALAC Leadership Institute. Latinx artists, arts administrators, and cultural workers, based in the United States and Puerto Rico at any stage of their career may apply. NLI Alumni are not eligible to attend twice. At the time an application is submitted:

Individuals applying for the NALAC Leadership Institute:
✔ Must be at least 21 years of age.

✔ Must identify as Latina/o/x.

✔ Applicant must be an artist, arts administrator, or cultural worker

✔ Must be an individual or organizational member of NALAC

How to Apply

Application Deadline: February 13, 2023, at 11:59PM CST

IMPORTANT: CHECK YOUR TIME ZONE. NALAC’s online application system will automatically close at 11:59PM Central Time. All application materials must be submitted electronically via the online system by the posted deadline.

All individuals interested in applying to the 2023 NALAC Leadership Institute must visit the NALAC Submissions Manager (www.nalac.submittable.com) and create a Submittable account.

The online application will request the following:

General Application Information: The applicant will be asked to provide the full name, contact information and general demographics.
Online Profile: The applicant will have the opportunity to self-identify and describe their background and ethnicity, provide a biography as well as share information about their practice and current role(s) as an artist, arts administrator or cultural worker.
Written or Video/Audio Response: The applicant will have the option to craft a brief recorded or written answer to a series of questions that provides the review committee an understanding of the reasons why the applicant wants to attend the leadership institute at this point in their career, what their career goals are presently, and how the institute curriculum will address present and advance future career goals.
Support Documents: Will further contextualize the proposed application and demonstrate the
individual’s past artistic and/or cultural work.

Support for Applicants

2023 NLI Support Webinar

View a recording of the 2023 NLI Support Webinar here.

General Inquiries

Inquiries may be submitted in writing via the NALAC Programs Support Desk. Please allow up to three business days for a response to your inquiry.

Meet our NLI Class of 2022!

This year, NALAC returned to an in-person Institute with the 22nd edition of the NLI hosted onsite at the historic St. Mary’s University. The 2022 NLI cohort represents a diverse group of artists, cultural workers, and arts administrators from various Latinx identities. This year’s participants are from around the U.S., representing 10 states and 9 different artistic disciplines including media arts, visual arts, dance, opera, and humanities.

2022 NLI Almuni

Creating a space for solidarity.

The NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI) brings emerging and established artists and arts administrators from across the nation for intensive training in nonprofit arts management and leadership development.

Mainstream leadership development opportunities often erase cultural competencies needed to successfully engage and include our communities. The NLI offers a rare space for discussion, inquiry, learning, inventiveness, and solidarity.

María López De León welcomes the 19th NALAC Leadership Insitute cohort in opening remarks at UTSA Downtown Campus Durango Building.

Become a NALAC Leadership Institute Fellow.

Participating in the NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI) is open to U.S. and Puerto Rico based Latinx artists, arts administrators, and cultural practitioners working in all media or disciplines (i.e. visual, theatre, dance, literary, performance, digital, interdisciplinary). The yearly convening is a week-long professional development program for Latinx artists, arts administrators, and cultural practitioners.

The latest information on our application process can be found in the institute guidelines downloadable guidelines document.

Stay up to date on NLI updates.

The NALAC Leadership Institute (NLI) has a yearly open call for applications. Educators and social entrepreneurs whose work is in the fields of arts and culture are also invited to apply.

For announcements and new opportunities, subscribe to our E-Boletin newsletter.

Leadership Institutes and additional resources

Leadership Overview

Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI)

Intercultural Leadership Institute (ILI)

Nominate Peer Panelists

Programs Support Desk

Field Notes

Thank you to our supporters.

NALAC wishes to thank the community of funding partners whose strategic investment in the NLI contributes to the vitality of the greater Latino arts and culture field.

Southwest® is the official airline of the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures.