2026-2027 Executive Leadership Program

Nurturing Excellence in Arts, Culture, and Heritage Leadership

Building on the success of previous years, Business / Arts is pleased to present the 2026-2027 Executive Leadership Program (formerly the Emerging Leadership Program)—a networking initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation of senior leaders in Canada’s arts, culture, and heritage sector.

Key Components

Designed for individuals aspiring to senior roles in large arts, culture, and heritage organizations, the program emphasizes mentorship, and knowledge exchange, connecting participants with established leaders from Canada’s largest cultural organizations.

From April 2026 to May 2027, this program will provide career development opportunities for 10 arts leaders across Canada.

2026 Canadian Arts Summit Participation: 

The cohort will launch at the 2026 Canadian Arts Summit, taking place from April 9-11 at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with their mentors, engage in Summit programming, and build meaningful networks within the arts community.

Mentorship from Summit Delegates:

Participants will be paired with a mentor from the Canadian Arts Summit delegation for monthly one-on-one sessions. These mentors, senior leaders from prominent cultural organizations, will provide valuable guidance, insights, and support tailored to the participant’s professional goals.

Knowledge-Sharing Sessions:

Throughout the year, participants will engage in quarterly peer-to-peer (P2P) meetings. These sessions will facilitate reciprocal learning, foster collaboration, and enhance leadership skills, creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment.