Performances + Events
Arts Leadership Institute: Summer Intensive
The Arts Leadership Institute: Summer Intensive is a two-week program for recent graduates and early-career professionals aspiring to lead in the arts management field.
Taught by today’s leaders from across the performing arts industry, including Lydia Connolly, Tyler Rand, and Jessica Lustig, participants engage in panels, case studies, advising, and collaborative projects. Both online and in-person, the immersive experience equips emerging arts leaders with the strategic knowledge, practical skills, and industry perspective needed to shape the future of the performing arts.
Week 1 (Online): June 15–20, 2026
Week 2 (In Person): June 21–27, 2026
Priority Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
Age Eligibility: 18+ (Recent College Graduates and Early-Career Professionals)
About the Program
What to Expect
Arts Leadership Institute: Summer Intensive is a selective two-week program designed to prepare recent graduates and early-career professionals for leadership roles in the arts management field. Led by distinguished guest faculty actively shaping today’s performing arts industry, the program offers direct insight into performing arts administration, marketing, and artist management.
Thirty admitted participants engage in an immersive curriculum featuring interactive panel discussions, real-world case studies, individualized advising sessions, and collaborative project work. Participants are placed into small cohorts to foster peer learning and professional networking, culminating in group presentations at the conclusion of the program.
This intensive experience equips emerging arts leaders with the strategic knowledge, practical skills, and industry perspective needed to navigate and shape the future of the performing arts.
Who Should Attend
Ideal candidates for the Summer Intensive are recent graduates and early-career professionals eager to learn from current industry leaders and reshape the performing arts field. Candidates will have either shown strong interest in the performing arts field while completing their studies, or have worked in the field for one to three years. Recent graduates of undergraduate and graduate programs are welcome to apply.
Faculty
As part of this immersive experience, participants learn from leading voices across the performing arts industry, including:
Program Administration
HANK MOU
NEC Dean and Chief Artistic Officer
EMMA BIGGERT
NEC Assistant Director of Artistic Operations
LYDIA CONNOLLY
Guest Advisor
Guest Faculty
JESSICA LUSTIG
Founding Partner and Managing Director, 21C Media Group
NINA YOSHIDA NELSEN
Artistic Director, Boston Lyric Opera
TYLER RAND
General Manager, Boston Symphony Orchestra
TONY RUDEL
Author, Former General Manager of GBH Music
MARTIN WITTENBERG
Director, Intermusica New York
Additional guest faculty will be announced in advance of the program.
Program Schedule
The Arts Leadership Institute: Summer Intensive is a hybrid program that leverages online and in-person experiences — all guided by expert faculty.
Pre-Program: Asynchronous
Early June: Complete 8–12 hours of foundational learning modules designed to prepare you for the two-week intensive.
Week One: Online
June 15–20: Participate in two-to-three hour daily sessions between 6–10 p.m. ET in a real-time, virtual environment.
Week Two: In Person
June 21–27: Engage in immersive daily programming on NEC’s campus in the heart of Boston.
Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
How to Apply
Eligibility
Recent college graduates and early-career professionals over the age of 18 are welcome to apply to the Arts Leadership Institute: Summer Intensive. Candidates will have either shown a strong interest in the performing arts field while completing their studies or have worked in the field for one to three years.
Application Requirements
Please complete the online application, which includes the following requirements:
- Non-musical CV or Resume
- Video Personal Statement: What is your musical background, and why do you want to participate in the program?
- Written Personal Statement: How do you view the performing arts field today?
The priority deadline to apply to the Summer Intensive is March 15, 2026. Please note that a $50 fee is required for each application.
Apply NowTuition and Fees
Students participate in the first week of the program remotely. During the second week, students have the option to either stay on NEC’s Boston campus or commute to campus each day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.
Residential Student Cost | Tuition, Housing, Meals: $4750
Day Student Cost | Tuition, Meals: $3750
Financial aid opportunities are available. Please complete our financial aid application for more details.
