All Rise Initiative: Diversifying Arts Administration

We believe it is our collective duty to cultivate a field that is rich in diverse perspectives across a number of dimensions. These include race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, nationality, immigration status, and more. Applicants are welcome and encouraged to expand this list to include whatever additional dimensions they feel are appropriate.

“Tomorrow belongs to those of us who conceive of it as belonging to everyone; who lend the best of ourselves to it, and with joy.”

— Audre Lorde

Like our art forms themselves, the arts administration field is enriched when our teams behind the scenes are as diverse as the audiences we seek and serve. Regardless of position, each of us has a responsibility to work toward this reality in our daily work and create an ever-widening sense of belonging in the arts.

Since 2017, Tom O’Connor Consulting Group (TOCG) has provided pro bono mentorship to arts administrators of color and from all populations historically excluded and underrepresented in the arts. Every year we want to make sure that at least 15 arts administrators have opportunities to strengthen their networks and learn from one another while they advance their careers. The All Rise program has three cohorts a year, each running for four  months, and is primarily focused on early and mid career professionals and those making transitions. Apply on a rolling basis and at the start of January, May, and September, we will pair accepted applicants with a member of the TOCG team. Our team is small and while we cannot guarantee that all applicants will be accepted, we will weigh a variety of factors in selecting applicants.

There is no rigid curriculum and each component is co-created to serve the needs of each individual participant. Each Riser will participate in:

  • Bi-weekly tailored coaching sessions to provide perspective, support, and personalized recommendations for attaining the skills, experience, and network needed to advance

  • Monthly virtual meet-ups with other members of the Riser cohort to compare notes, discuss current interests and challenges, and support one another

  • Access to a dedicated LinkedIn Group to connect and engage with past and future Cohorts

While applicants do not need to conform to specific criteria, this program is geared toward applicants in the early stages of their career or making a career transition. Use the application form linked below to provide brief statements about yourself, your experience, and what you hope to achieve in your career (spoiler alert: this can change). Once selected, each Riser will be assigned a member of the TOCG team who will contact them to arrange a bi-weekly time to meet over the span of the term. Coaching sessions are responsive to the needs of each Riser and might include plans to develop needed skills, strengthen industry contacts, overcome individual barriers, or other topics identified.

The next All Rise Cohort begins in January 2025. If you would like to be considered, please apply by December 2, 2024 to be considered.