Alabama and Connecticut: Arts Administration Fellowships

Thirty state arts agencies award fellowship grants to individual artists, but only two of them also offer arts administration fellowships. These programs recognize the achievements—and advance the leadership and management skills—of the hardworking, talented people who make sure theatre curtains rise, gallery doors stay open and communities have opportunities to thrive creatively. Through the Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship, the Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) annually recognizes an exceptionally accomplished arts manager with $2,500 to support professional development activities. To be eligible, applicants must have seven years of arts administration experience, including three in their current capacity, which may be with a nonprofit organization or with an arts program of a municipality, college or university. Consultants, contractors and unpaid volunteers are not eligible. The Art Administration Fellowship program of the Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA) grants $5,000 to arts administrators who have been working full-time with an Alabama arts group for at least two years. Funds may be used to participate in workshops, mentorship programs and/or any other activities to develop the fellow’s administrative capabilities. College and university faculty and staff are ineligible. For more information about Alabama’s fellowship, contact ASCA Community Arts Manager Deb Boykin. For Connecticut’s program, contact COA Special Projects Coordinator Rhonda Olisky.