Leadership Arts

A large group of people pose on a stage, smiling and holding certificates. Flags and a red banner are in the background, suggesting a celebratory or graduation event.

Photo Credit: Amanda Tipton Photography

Be Part of Leadership Arts

For 30 years, CBCA has built a pipeline of leaders in the arts through Leadership Arts. This unique nine-month program prepares people to serve on nonprofit boards of directors and increase their civic engagement in the arts. The Leadership Arts curriculum focuses on building the necessary skills to be an effective volunteer leader and explores relevant topics in Colorado’s arts sector.

Applications for the 30th Anniversary Leadership Arts 2026-2027 program are open now! Applications are due by end-of-day Friday, August 7, 2026. Early Bird applications received by end-of-day June 30 can receive 10% off their tuition.   

Make an Impact

Be part of Leadership Arts and make an impact! What will you get from participating in Leadership Arts?

  • Learn the ins and outs of nonprofit board service
  • Connect with professionals from a variety of industries and backgrounds
  • Sharpen your leadership skills and build confidence
  • Become a more engaged and effective arts advocate
  • Leverage applicable business skills in a new way
  • Network with like-minded individuals
  • Make a difference in our cultural community

For companies, Leadership Arts is an excellent way to invest in your employees and give back to our cultural community. It is an ideal way to connect your employees with diverse professionals and expand their network, as well as embed them in nonprofit arts & culture boards.

Network and Engage

Each cohort comprises a diverse mix of personal and professional backgrounds. Participants range in industry sector, career level and experience, but all share an interest in the arts and civic engagement.

There are 1,250 Leadership Arts graduates across the Denver Metro area and beyond, many of whom continue to serve in our cultural sector as board members, volunteers and arts leaders.

What to Expect for Leadership Arts 2026-2027

From September 2026 through May 2027, the Leadership Arts cohort will gather to learn, discuss and engage with topics relevant to board service, civic leadership and arts advocacy. The curriculum covers nonprofit governance, legal and fiscal stewardship, fundraising, advocacy, as well as current topics in the arts like health & wellness and social justice.

Interactive sessions are led by professionals in the field, consultants and community leaders, augmented with hands-on arts experiences, behind-the-scenes tours and engaging activities.

All 12 half-day sessions will be hosted at various cultural venues across the seven-county metro area. Check out the 2026-2027 Leadership Arts Schedule of Sessions for all the dates and times.  Venues will be announced in August.

Tuition

Tuition rates depend on CBCA Membership. CBCA Members receive substantial savings! 

Tuition is $2,250 for CBCA Members and their employees. Non-member tuition is $2,750.

Check the CBCA Member Directory to see if you or your company are a current member.

Scholarships

The Deborah Jordy Leadership Arts Scholarship Fund provides a limited number of partial scholarships. This is a competitive scholarship application and review process.

Leadership Arts is committed to ensuring that cultural nonprofits are supported by diverse, effective, and inspired board members and volunteers. We strive to build an inclusive community of arts advocates for Colorado. The Deborah Jordy Leadership Arts Scholarship is intended to recognize leadership potential, increase the financial accessibility of the program, and ensure a variety of perspectives and experiences in advancing arts and culture.

Learn more about how to apply for the Deborah Jordy Leadership Arts Scholarship Fund.

Scholarship materials must be submitted via email to main@cbca.org by August 7, 2026, along with a completed program application. 

You can donate to the Deborah Jordy Leadership Arts Scholarship Fund at any time to support access for future participants.

Image by Amanda Tipton Photography

Image by Amanda Tipton Photography

What People Are Saying About Leadership Arts

  • “I highly recommend Leadership Arts to anyone aspiring to take on leadership roles within our community’s cultural organizations. Thanks to the diverse and comprehensive curriculum, I now feel far more prepared and confident in my role as a board member. Perhaps even more valuable, though, have been the relationships I’ve built with this exceptional cohort. I look forward to continuing to support and learn from each other for years to come.” – Jinha Servais, Barefoot PR

 

  • “The curriculum is incredibly well thought out – from nonprofit governance and fundraising to understanding financial statements – I walked away feeling genuinely equipped to continue my work in community leadership and arts advocacy. But honestly, the people in my cohort made the experience. It was a remarkable group and those relationships have already extended well beyond the program.” – Mike Sullivan, Founder & Creative Director, Peak Marketing

 

  • “This past year has been so special and taught me so much. I was already a member of a nonprofit board when I joined the program, but the skills that I have gained this year will make me a more impactful and knowledgeable board member. I am also grateful for the people that I’ve met in my cohort and know that I will take these friendships and connections through my career and make me feel more connection to my cultural community here in Denver.” – Allison Galgiani, Event Success Coordinator, Civic Center Conservancy

  • “I have been able to take back knowledge and insights from each session to each of my boards, actively using the knowledge from the sessions to become a more productive member of my organizations. I also really enjoyed getting to visit so many organizations around CO, and loved making so many new friends. I hope to continue seeing everyone in my cohort and hopefully to make and do fun events with them.” – Brandon Vargas, Meow Wolf Denver

 

  • “An absolutely essential education on being a great community member. I’m so grateful Leadership Arts exists! This was a transformative experience for me and I feel better equipped to serve in leadership roles for the causes that matter to me.” – Emma Collins, Downtown Denver Partnership

 

  • “Leadership Arts was more than a professional development program—it was a transformational experience. Through my involvement with CBCA, I gained a deeper understanding of how the arts enrich our communities and how I can be an advocate and leader within that space. The connections I made, the stories I heard, and the hands-on learning inspired me to think bigger about the role of creativity in civic life. I walked away feeling empowered, equipped, and energized to serve.” – Joanna Mora, Colorado Public Radio

Thanks to our Leadership Arts Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Associate Sponsors