The application is open to top organizational leaders (CEO, Executive Director, and similar) and members of senior management (Deputy Director, General Manager, Director of Development or Marketing, and similar) working in a paid, full-time, and permanent capacity in an arts, culture, heritage or humanities non-profits worldwide. On average, Fellows bring 10-20 years of professional experience to reflect upon.  

The Fellowship is designed for executives at a point of career inflection when they are well-positioned to make a significant investment in their work at their organization and their role as a leader in their field. 

Fellows pursue the program through the lens of their current organization, developing, implementing, and refining strategies for their organization through its curriculum. Applicants should be positioned to develop and refine long-term strategies in the organization’s artistic, marketing, fundraising, board development, and/or strategic planning initiatives. In addition, applicants must have an excellent command of business English, orally and written, and be able to commit to the full term of the fellowship.

Applicants are encouraged to apply from a wide range of institutions. The DeVos Institute has served more than 1,000 organizations from over 80 countries encompassing ‘traditional’ discipline producing and presenting organizations (in the fields of dance, music, theater, opera); museums and galleries; public festivals; community-based cultural centers; non-profit film and media practitioners; arts education providers and arts schools; historical societies and properties; libraries; public art agencies; and other non-profit adjacent activities such as botanical gardens, literary organizations, etc.

While the program is equally equipped to serve applicants from both large and small institutions, the applicant’s organization must have at least three full-time staff members, three years of consistent programming history, and an operating budget of at least the equivalent of $250,000 USD / €220,000 EUR.

The program is grounded in the Institute’s management philosophy, The Cycle, which maintains that success for cultural organizations in today’s climate requires a mastery of four, sequential actions:

1. The consistent production of bold, surprising, high-quality art/programming;

2. Aggressive marketing that creates demand for this art/programming, and the institution behind it, attracting and exciting patrons;

3. Cultivation of the resulting “family” of ticket-buyers, trust­ees, and supporters, drawn by this art and marketing, and those who wish to see the organization succeed; and 

4. Fundraising that transforms the goodwill of this family into resources through contributions, volunteerism, and board service.

The Institute refers to these four activities (dominant art and programs, aggressive marketing, family, and fundraising) as a “cycle” of planning which, if repeated year after year, builds and sustains organizational health.

Institute leadership and guest speakers deliver seminars and case studies in long-term artistic/ program planning, marketing, fundraising, board development, financial management, human resources, and strategic planning, among other topics.

Fellows also participate in strategic planning exercises, site visits, and independent and collective learning opportunities designed for the needs of the cohort.

Interested applicants can learn more about The Cycle in the Institute’s free online course here.

The Institute invites approximately five to eight new Fellows each year. First-year, second-year, and third-year fellows attend residencies together and engage in activities tailored to their year in the program. The biographies of the returning Fellows and recent graduates are here.

The Fellowship schedule is programmed approximately five hours each Monday – Friday during the residency period. While subject to change, a typical day may start at 10 am and end at 3:30 pm, accommodating a lunch break. These hours are extended on approximately three to five days of each residency to accommodate site visits and evening programs. Weekends are not programmed. Should they wish to do so, successful candidates can continue to contribute to their organization in a limited capacity.

In addition, the program is pursued through the lens of the Fellow's organization. All activities Fellows complete are directly applied to the organization.

This program is for executive, not artistic leadership. Artistic and production directors who do not also have executive jurisdiction are not eligible.

The fellowship is designed to be pursued through the context of each Fellow’s current organization. Arts managers working in administrative roles in campus-based organizations are eligible. Professors, lecturers, or program directors of academic programs are not eligible.

Yes. The goal of the program is to give each Fellow the opportunity to develop professionally as they progress within their organizations. While we understand that unexpected situations can arise, Fellows are expected to participate for the three-year duration of the program. 

No. The program is designed for arts executives who are currently working in a full-time, permanent capacity in an arts or cultural organization.

Private housing is provided for each non-local, successful candidate in the form of a studio apartment with an efficiency kitchen. Family members and guests are permitted and can be arranged directly with the property. For additional questions about accommodations, please email fellowships@devosinstitute.net.

No, the DeVos Institute will reimburse costs for your travel to and from Washington, DC from your home residence. A receipt or proper documentation is necessary for reimbursement.

Fellows receive the per diem (daily allowance) for Meals and Incidental Expenses as determined per program year.

If accepted into the program, DeVos Institute staff will contact you regarding the details of obtaining your visa. The DeVos Institute will reimburse charges necessary to obtain your Visa. This includes fees all paid to the consulate. A receipt or proper documentation is necessary for reimbursement.

Fellows must be available for the duration of the program (four weeks beginning early July for three consecutive summers). Fellows are required to sign and return the DeVos Institute Acceptance Agreement. Fellows must sign and return necessary tax forms in a timely fashion to ensure receipt of per diem. They are also required to submit a final evaluation at the end of each program term.

Fellowship recipients will be notified via e-mail and must provide confirmation of their acceptance within 10 business days. Additional details regarding the Fellowship will be included. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via e-mail as soon as possible following each phase.

Yes. The fellowship will accept a new class each year.

Yes, you may re-apply to the Fellowship in future application cycles. You will be required to update your application at this time.

No, this program is designed for experienced arts executives currently employed in an arts or cultural organization. Please enroll in the Institute’s free, online course for an introduction to arts management here.

Please email the DeVos Institute at fellowships@devosinstitute.net for any additional questions not covered on this page.