​WESTAF 2017 Emerging Leaders of Color
Professional Development Program

The Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) is a regional nonprofit arts service organization
whose mission is to strengthen the financial, organizational, and policy infrastructure of the arts
in the western United States. In its work, WESTAF strives to reflect the values, insights, spirit,
and knowledge of communities of color, indigenous peoples, and other marginalized ethnic
communities in the west and ensure its programs and initiatives incorporate the diverse
perspectives of the region.


Program Goals
In 2010, WESTAF established its Emerging Leaders of Color Professional Development
Program. The program promotes multicultural leadership and equity in the arts by:


● Building a cohort of cultural leaders of color in the western United States who are
committed to the advancement of the arts
● Engaging diverse, early-career leaders in coursework and activities designed to
strengthen competencies and prepare participants for leadership positions in the field
● Providing opportunities for promising arts professionals to establish networks that
support their careers and the cultural interests of the communities they represent and
serve
● Deepening participants’ understanding of the arts in the United States and how public
support sustains the vibrancy of the sector

How to Apply
WESTAF is currently seeking participants for this all-expenses-paid, sixth annual convening to
be held November 13-15, 2017 in Denver. Candidates will meet the following criteria:


● With some exceptions, are under the age of 35
● Have less that ten years of experience working in the arts
● Current resident of the 13-state WESTAF region (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado,
Hawai'i, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington or Wyoming)
● Self identify as a person of color
● Is an arts administrator or a significantly arts-interested community person such as a
volunteer or a public official. (This program is not designed to serve individual artists.)
● Has not had an opportunity to participate in high-quality professional development
sessions
● Is an individual of significant promise


With the advice of members of WESTAF’s Multicultural Advisory Committee and program
alumni, WESTAF will select 14 total participants: one participant from each state in the western
region, except California, where two participants will be selected due to its large population.

Apply online: www.westaf.org/ELC17
Application and endorsement deadline: Thursday, August 31, 2017
Notification date: September 2017
For more information, contact Chrissy Deal, [email protected] or 303.629.1166