Arts, culture, heritage, and museum organizations are navigating profound shifts in public expectations, participation patterns, technology, trust, and attention. In this environment, engagement is no longer simply a marketing function—it is a strategic leadership responsibility. Leaders must understand the people they serve, how communities connect with cultural experiences today, and how organizations can communicate their value in ways that are authentic, relevant, and impactful.
This program helps executive and senior leaders strengthen their organization's capacity to attract, engage, and retain visitors, patrons, members, participants, donors, and community supporters while advancing mission and public value. Participants will explore how market research, brand strategy, communications, storytelling, and public engagement can work together to support sustainability, deepen impact, and build lasting relationships.
Through case studies, practical tools, peer learning, and real-world application, participants will gain actionable frameworks for understanding the people they serve, making evidence-informed decisions, and aligning organizational strategy with evolving public needs and expectations.
Financial sipport is available.
Application Deadline April 20, 2027
Program Dates May 30, 2027 - Jun 04, 2027
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
This program is designed for arts, heritage, and creative industries professionals working in organizations of any size and across all art forms, including visual arts, galleries, museums, theatre, dance, opera, film, music, and literature.
It is well suited to:
- administrators, managers, and directors in arts and heritage organizations and creative industries
- creative producers and consultants working with arts organizations
- education and engagement specialists in these sectors
- artists (Indigenous, Canadian, and international)
- community-based arts and heritage workers in urban and rural settings
Applicants working outside the arts, heritage, and creative industries must demonstrate in their application how their work will benefit from this program.
Total fee per person (Tuition, Accommodation and Meal Plan)
$3 743.25
Application Fee
$65 for individuals, $35 for applicants who identify as Indigenous.
The application fee is non-refundable. 100% of this fee goes towards the cost of administering the application in SlideRoom.
Limited funding is available to support up to 18 arts-sector participants, with priority given to those working in small Canadian non-profit arts organizations.
Key details:
- Funding amounts vary and do not cover the full program fee; participants should plan to contribute at least 25 percent of the total cost.
- Annual funding limits may apply and depend on availability.
- Funding is not available to applicants outside the arts sector or to international participants, who will be responsible for the full program fee.
- To be considered, please complete the Financial Aid section when uploading your supporting materials.