Arts Administrators Fellowship Applications Open

(Press Release) Lake Worth Beach, Fla. (June 29, 2026) – The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is now accepting applications for its 2027 Arts Administrators Fellowship, a 10-month leadership development program designed to strengthen the arts and cultural sector from within.

“By investing in arts administrators alongside artists, the Cultural Council reaffirms a core belief: a healthy cultural sector depends on strong, connected leadership,” said Dave Lawrence, CEO & President of the Cultural Council.

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The biennial fellowship provides emerging and mid-career arts administrators with professional development, networking opportunities, mentorship, and participation in a national arts conference. Up to seven fellows will be selected to complete the program in 2027.

“The fellowship offered invaluable business knowledge and the opportunity to be fully immersed in Palm Beach County’s arts and culture ecosystem. With a clearer understanding of my role as an arts administrator, I was able to leverage my strengths and advance my career,” said Melisa Allen, a 2024 Arts Administrators Fellow who is furthering her career in Community Engagement and Program Management.

Highlights of the 2027 Arts Administrators Fellowship:

• A dynamic curriculum built around the book “Run It Like a Business” by Aubrey Bergauer, paired with professional development support and networking opportunities that promote leadership, career vision, and business skills.
• Tours of cultural organizations across the county with behind-the-scenes insights from the executive director/CEO and introductions to managers in various roles.
• Facilitated workshops and individualized career counseling from a licensed professional.
• Group mentoring sessions with established arts leaders in Palm Beach County, Florida, or nationally.
• Sponsored participation in the annual Americans for the Arts conference (travel and lodging included).
• Networking and team-building sessions with the other Fellows (previous and current) to build bonds of trust and collaboration.
• One-on-one mentoring opportunity with the Cultural Council’s CEO and members of the Council’s board of directors to discuss career objectives and goals.
• Additional opportunities to build connections as alumni after the program concludes.
  
  

Applications are open through August 7, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend one of four information sessions to learn more about the fellowship, eligibility requirements, and application process. Sessions will be held in Lake Worth Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and virtually via Zoom throughout July.
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For application guidelines, eligibility requirements, information session registration, and additional program details, visit palmbeachculture.com/aaf.