With the 2018 Emerging Arts Leaders Symposium only a few days away, there’s a lot to be excited for. This year’s schedule is full of exceptional panels, workshops, and speakers, so there’s really no wrong choice when you’re planning out your EALS schedule. For those of you wondering what you absolutely need to check out, you can read more about each session on our website and decide for yourself…or you could let the stars guide you! Here’s a fun exploration of EALS 2018 through the lens of astrology.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Town Hall on the Future of Leadership in Arts Education
Aries, you’re a natural born trailblazer who wants to get things done. So let’s begin this list with one of the last EALS events. After the panels, join the President & CEO of Americans for the Arts (AFTA) for a town hall session on the future of arts education, a vital component of arts and cultural organizations. Along with having a conversation with established leaders in the field, AFTA will be revealing its latest set of tools for emerging leaders hoping to broaden and diversify the leadership pipeline in arts education. And don’t forget, Arts Advocacy Day is the day after EALS!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Yoga for the Creative Spirit
Nobody understands the need for patience and (re-)connection with your body better than you, Taurus. During our lunch break, kick off those business shoes and shrug off that blazer for a little bit and join yoga instructor Sara Crosby for a session of gentle, restorative asanas (yoga poses) and guided meditation, all accompanied by live music to harness the creative flow of the spring season. The 45 minutes practice will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for the second half of EALS.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Brown Faces White Spaces Live Podcast
Some people might say you talk too much, Gemini, but you just understand the power of communication. Mix that with your natural adaptability, and what could be a better lunch workshop for you than a live podcast recording! Join hosts Tevin Giddens and Marjon Wolfe in a conversation on what it means to move beyond strategic plans towards social justice philosophy as an individual. And then when you get home after EALS, show your friends BFWS so they can see just how cool being communicative can be.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
New Life for Old Music
Ah, sensitive, contemplative, history-loving Cancer. You’re not afraid of change per se, but what about the classics? Well, lucky for you, Bach is the New Black. Over the past decade, early music has seen a new approach and new appreciation due to a renewed commitment to historical accuracy. Join an exciting panel of professors, teachers, and musicians of baroque, medieval, and historical performance to find out how artists today, and in the future, can champion this new/old specialization.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Keynote Address
You understand wanting to be the center of attention, Leo, and there is nothing wrong with that! Great people are worth spotlighting, and this year’s keynote speaker is definitely one of them. Seema Sueko is an accomplished leader, artist, and Deputy Artistic Director at Arena Stage. She has gained national prominence for her innovations in artistic leadership, so her keynote address will be the perfect way to kick off a day full of incredible arts leaders you’ll want to pay plenty of attention to.
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Responding to the Unthinkable: Handling an Arts Crisis
Just the word “crisis” is probably making you uncomfortable right now, Virgo. But luckily, your practical intelligence and meticulous attention to detail is also what will allow you to plan for that crisis. In a time of ever-changing news cycles and social media mayhem, the arts world is not immune to experiencing its own share of communication issues and reputation crises. Join this panel to learn how arts managers prepare and respond when the unthinkable occurs.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
The Art of Exchange
It’s no mistake that your symbol is the scales, Libra, because you are all about creating balance and making peace through sharing, sociability, and diplomacy. That’s why you’ll love this panel, which is all about how the arts can be used to reach across cultures and foster understanding despite differences. Cultural exchanges remain a daunting concept for many people, groups, and governments, however, so you’ll also want to hear all about the strategies arts managers use to overcome these challenges.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
Women in the Creative C-Suite: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Scorpio, you are determined, passionate, and not to be underestimated. In the field of arts management, however, women still struggle to access equal pay or gain leadership positions in major creative institutions. Whether you’re a powerful woman or an ally to powerful women, you won’t want to miss this panel of female arts leaders coming together to discuss how we cans empower emerging female arts leaders to overcome these barriers while creating a more equitable work culture in the arts.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
FootsxColes at the Reception
Loved the Symposium but feeling a little restless now, Sagittarius? The Emerging Arts Leaders Reception is here for you. In addition to mingling, grabbing a snack, and unwinding with a drink, you can go on your own little adventure by getting lost in the music of FootsXColes, who will be performing live for us. FootsXColes is a production duo whose goal is to push the envelope in all things music. For a taste of their unique sound, check out their (appropriately titled) song "Hidden Astrology." Enjoy!
Capricorn (December 22-January 19)
Resume Reviews by EALDC
I know what you’re thinking, Capricorn. These speakers and panels and impressive, but how do you get yourself closer to becoming a successful arts manager? Emerging Arts Leaders DC (EALDC) is a volunteer-led organization that provides professional development, networking, and resources to emerging arts professionals, and they’ll be hosting resume review tables during our lunchtime workshops. So bring your resume, sign up early for the review, and never let go of that ambitious spirit!
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18)
Spotlight with Halcyon Arts Lab
“Eccentric,” “quirky,” “weird” –you’ve heard it all, Aquarius. But I think the word they’re looking for is “innovator,” so you’re going to love hearing about this cutting-edge arts organization. Halcyon Arts Lab supports emerging artists at the intersection of art and social change. By providing space, time, and access to fellows whose bold ideas address major issues of social justice and civic engagement, the Halcyon Fellowiship program synthesizes entrepreneurship and art to foster fellows who can create impact through the unique lens of art and creativity.
Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
Dear White Museums: The Role of Museums in Unmasking Society’s Inequities
Happy birthday, Pisces! We hope EALS will be the perfect gift. They say that as the last sign, you contain experiences from all of the signs, which makes you deeply understanding of others in addition to being a dreamer. So let's put that compassion to good use and make the dream come true! One of the major hurdles to social progress is ignorance to the lived realities of people of color due to educational gaps and lack of contact with minority communities. Join us for a panel on how museums are positioned now to take a leadership role in breaking this trend.
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