About NextGen Arts
A number of recent studies on leadership in the nonprofit sector have predicted that a massive inter-generational management transition is coming because many “baby boomer” administrators are nearing retirement age, with fewer next generation leaders in the pipeline to replace them.

To address this issue for arts organizations in California, The James Irvine Foundation and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation joined together in late 2009 to make a series of grants to support professional networks of emerging arts leaders in California, and to fund the Center for Cultural Innovation to create the NextGen Arts Leadership Initiative – a three-year project that will support the following activities from 2010-2012:

• NextGen Arts Professional Development Grants for emerging arts leaders, providing up to $1,000 for eligible individuals to take workshops, attend conferences or work with career coaches or management consultants. Applications are due on the 15th of the month with a two month turnaround. Applications received after the 15th of a given month will be reviewed in the next month's application cycle.

The NextGen Survey is Now Open TAKE IT NOW
Arts administrators, artists and board members between the ages of 18 and 35 are encouraged to take the NextGen Survey, which is providing valuable data to arts funders and program providers about the needs of California’s emerging arts leaders. Taking the NextGen Survey also fulfills one of the eligibility requirements for a NextGen Professional Development Grant. The survey re-opened on July 6, 2011 and will remain open throughout 2011-2012. [Note: Individuals who have previously taken the survey DO NOT need to take it again to apply for grants in 2011-2012].

Professional Development Grant Guidelines/Application pdf

 

Frequently Asked Questions pdf

• NextGen Arts Innovation Grants for arts organizations, providing up to $10,000 to explore new policies and innovative practices that will help sustain their next generation leaders. This grant program is now closed.
  

Press Release 2011 Arts Innovation Grantees pdf


• Convening Activities for established emerging arts leader networks from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Silicon Valley.