The National Leaders of Color Fellowship program, organized by Creative West and supported by Arts Midwest, is designed to foster multicultural leadership within the creative and cultural sectors. This fellowship offers a transformative leadership development experience that spans eight months, during which selected fellows will engage with specialists in the field and participate in strategic learning aimed at enhancing their understanding of anti-racist and culturally-oriented leadership practices. The program has expanded its reach nationwide through partnerships with various United States Regional Arts Organizations, making its mission a national initiative.

The primary purpose of the fellowship is to cultivate early and mid-career leaders who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. The program aims to deepen participants' leadership skills and provide them with a national network of peers and mentors. Upon completion, fellows gain alumni status, which opens up further opportunities for collaboration with regional arts organizations as advisors, funding panelists, or in other professional roles.

Funding for the fellowship is provided at no cost to the participants. The program is structured to be completed online, typically running from late fall to early summer of the following year. Participants are expected to allocate approximately 10 hours of work outside the scheduled program dates. It is encouraged that fellows receive compensation from their employers for the time spent on fellowship activities. Additionally, regional arts organizations can provide letters of support upon request.

Eligibility for the fellowship is specifically targeted at individuals who meet several criteria. Applicants must self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color, and they should be early or mid-career leaders in the arts and culture field. Eligible candidates include arts administrators or individuals significantly involved in the arts, such as volunteers or public officials. Applicants must be current residents of the United States, including U.S. territories, and should have limited prior experience with high-quality professional leadership development opportunities. The program particularly encourages applications from LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, and those residing in rural or remote areas.

The application process requires candidates to submit their materials by the deadline of October 13, 2024. Specific submission requirements and application questions are not detailed in the provided information, so interested applicants should refer to the official website for further guidance.

Evaluation criteria for the fellowship will likely focus on the applicant's leadership potential, commitment to the arts and culture sector, and alignment with the fellowship's objectives. The timeline for the fellowship spans from the application deadline through the program duration, with important dates available on the Arts Midwest website.

For more information about the fellowship, including application details and specific questions, interested individuals can visit the Arts Midwest website or contact the program via email at grants@wearecreativewest.org.