The Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 Emerging Leaders of Color (ELC) program! We ask that you spread the word to your networks and encourage qualified applicants to apply.

Since 2010, WESTAF’s Emerging Leaders of Color program has convened more than 90 racially and ethnically diverse leaders working in the arts in the western United States for high-level leadership seminars that have impacted the field of arts administration.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and necessary program modifications, we have moved our 2021 ELC program online. The virtual convening will take place March 18-19 and 22-24, 2021.

Program Overview
A cornerstone of WESTAF’s cultural equity and leadership initiatives, the ELC program promotes multiracial leadership and equity in the arts by:
> Building a cohort of cultural leaders of color in the western United States who are committed to the advancement of the arts.
> Engaging diverse emerging leaders in coursework and activities designed to strengthen competencies and prepare participants for leadership positions in the field. 
> Providing opportunities for promising arts professionals to establish networks that support their careers and the cultural interests of the communities they represent and serve.
> Deepening participants’ understanding of the arts in the United States and how public support sustains the vibrancy of the sector.

WESTAF ELC 2021 Application 
Beginning on Friday, January 8, the ELC 2021 application can be accessed and a link will be posted on the ELC page of the WESTAF website.
The application requires candidates to provide the following:
> Basic contact information
> A brief bio
> Reflection on a short video
> Endorsement from a professional contact.

The deadline for the application and endorsement is 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Monday, February 1, 2021. Applicants will be notified of their status in mid-February 2021.

For questions or more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Social Responsibility & Inclusion Programs Manager Madalena Salazar at leadersofcolor@westaf.org