Call for Recommendations: 2026-2027 Executive Leadership Program
Business / Arts is seeking recommendations from Summit delegates to identify 10 arts leaders to participate in this year’s Executive Leadership Program.
Designed for individuals aspiring to hold senior roles in large arts, culture and heritage organizations, the program emphasizes mentorship and knowledge exchange, providing participants with the networks to advance their careers.
Program Highlights (April 2026 – May 2027):
- Participation and complimentary registration for the 2026 Canadian Arts Summit
- Three nights of accommodation and up to $1000 for travel support
- Monthly one-on-one mentorship sessions with a Summit delegate
- Quarterly peer-to-peer sessions with fellow participants
Eligibility:
To qualify for the program, individuals must:
- Be a professional arts worker (part-time or full-time)
- Be a permanent resident of Canada
- Be available to attend the Canadian Arts Summit from April 9-11, 2026, at the Banff Centre
- Be able to commit to monthly mentorship and quarterly peer-to-peer-sessions
- Have demonstrated leadership experience within a medium (approximately $1.5 to $3M) or large (over $3M) arts, culture, or heritage organizations in Canada*
- Aspire to hold a senior leadership role within a large Canadian arts, culture, or heritage organization
- Have not previously participated in Business / Arts’ Emerging Leadership program
There is no age limit for participation and we welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and positions within the arts sector, including executive leaders, directors of departments such as development, communications and marketing, public programming, and more.
The Executive Leadership program is delivered primarily in English. Requests for a bilingual mentor will be taken into consideration, but cannot be guaranteed.
*Please note that these size categories are guidelines, and the mentioned financial thresholds serve as approximations rather than strict criteria.
Business / Arts is committed to equity in our policies, practices, and programs and encourages recommendations of individuals who identify as Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, living with a disability, or part of a religious minority.
Recommendations are accepted until Thursday, January 15, 2026.