Leadership Arts Institute
Business Council for the Arts (BCA) founded the Leadership Arts Institute (LAI) 30 years ago to develop the passionate business professionals who will lead the arts in their communities. This program provides training in leadership, nonprofit board best practices, and empowerment to tackle the current issues affecting cultural institutions in North Texas.
LAI by the Numbers
LAI Alumni have been placed on the boards of arts nonprofits in Dallas and around the country
Business Council for the Arts Leadership Arts Institute graduates
Companies in North Texas that have participated in LAI
Program Details for Potential LAI Applicants
The upcoming Leadership Arts Institute program will run between September 2025 to May 2026. The LAI selection committee will review each application for a number of criteria including the applicant’s commitment to the arts, leadership potential, and diversity in the professional background of the cohort.
LAI sessions are in person at prominent arts locations around Dallas. Each session focuses on a different topic, led by leading guest speakers from arts organizations throughout North Texas. Class topics include board roles and responsibilities, art and social impact, financial matters and more. Participants also are invited to a number of social events throughout the year.
Program Costs:
BCA Members: $2,250
Non-BCA Members: $2,850
Applications are due by August 8, 2025. Submit your application today!
Recognizing Companies Committed to Arts Leadership by Participating in LAI
Experience Career and Personal Growth with LAI
LAI participants enjoy a number of benefits throughout the program:
- Strengthen your expertise as a leader
- Learn best practices in nonprofit board leadership and utilize them to serve your community
- Meet prominent business leaders who advocate for North Texas as a creative community
- Gain access to resources that promote thought leadership, creativity, and innovation
- Network with colleagues from a cross-section of industries
- Experience arts and cultural venues and hear from their leaders on a firsthand basis
- Strengthen future commitment to the creative economy in North Texas
Build and Grow Leaders in Your Organization
Organizations that participate in LAI bring tangible benefits to their leaders that impact arts and commerce in our region:
- Build leadership capabilities in high-potential team members
- Promote equity, inclusion, and diversity on nonprofit arts and culture boards
- Participate in the network of North Texas business leaders who support the arts
Board Placement
Graduates of the Leadership Arts Institute have the opportunity for placement on a regional nonprofit board. BCA facilitates a matching process between individuals and arts organizations.
For Leadership Arts Graduates
LAI graduates interested in board placement, please click below to review board profiles, or contact us to begin the process.
For Arts Organizations
If you are an arts organization seeking talented and qualified board members, please click below to submit an updated board profile.
Class Projects
Each Leadership Arts Institute class plans and executes a project during their nine-month program. This project enables participants to practice leadership skills learned in class, gain leadership experience through service on a simulated board, learn about the community, and create a legacy that impacts North Texas.