Invest in the next generation of arts and culture leaders
Build leadership capacity within your organization. Give an emerging leader practical skills, sector connections and the confidence to take on greater responsibility. Â
Build leadership capacity from within
The Arts & Culture Leadership Program (ACLP) is a free, practical leadership-development opportunity for emerging and mid-level staff and volunteer leaders in nonprofit arts and cultural organizations serving Greater Montreal’s English-speaking community.Â
Through practical learning, peer exchange, sector connections, and coaching and mentorship opportunities, ACLP helps participants build the skills and confidence to take on greater responsibility and contribute to stronger, more sustainable organizations.
Organizations can nominate a staff member or volunteer leader, and individuals can also apply directly with employer endorsement.
Arts & Culture Leadership Program (ACLP)
➜ Cohort 1 | Greater Montreal | 14 participants | November 20, 2026–March 5, 2027
Nominate or Apply by November 15, 2026 at 11:59PM
ACLP is a two-year pilot designed to strengthen leadership capacity across Quebec’s English-speaking arts and culture sector.
The first cohort will bring together 14 emerging and mid-level administrators and volunteer leaders from nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Montreal. Participants will learn together, share knowledge and experiences, and develop practical tools they can bring back to their organizations.
The program is free to participants and primarily delivered in person during Cohort 1.
➜ Cohort 2 | Fully remote | September 15, 2027–December 18, 2027
Fully remote and open to organizations working in the regions. More information to come.
What participants will gain
Build leadership skills
Develop knowledge and tools in areas such as financial management, governance, human resources, fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Learn by doing
Explore practical approaches grounded in real-world challenges faced by arts and cultural organizations—not just academic theory.
Learn with your peers
Connect with 13 other leaders from diverse artistic and cultural disciplines. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships.
Grow your confidence
Strengthen your ability to navigate leadership responsibilities, and contribute to organizational priorities.
Expand your network
Build meaningful professional connections within Québec’s English-speaking arts and culture community.
Continue learning beyond the sessions
You’ll have access to coaching and mentorship opportunities from arts and cultural partner organizations.
Who is ACLP for?
The program is designed for emerging and mid-level staff and volunteer leaders who are ready to grow their leadership skills and contribute to the future of their organization.
You may be a good fit if you:
- ➜ Hold an entry- or mid-level administrative, coordination, or volunteer leadership role
- ➜ Want to prepare for greater management or leadership responsibility
- ➜ Are looking to strengthen your skills in areas such as management, governance, finance, HR, fundraising, or strategic planning
- ➜ Want practical tools that you can apply in your day-to-day work
- ➜ Are interested in learning alongside peers from different areas of the arts and culture sector
- ➜ Are ready to actively participate throughout the program
Participants may be nominated by their organization or self-nominate with employer endorsement.
Is your organization a good fit?
ACLP is intended for small and medium-sized nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that:
- ✓ Operate in the Greater Montreal Area
- ✓ Primarily serve Québec’s English-speaking community
- ✓ Employ staff and/or engage volunteers
- ✓ Have limited administrative resources or organizational capacity
- ✓ Are committed to growth, renewal, leadership development, and knowledge transfer
Eligible organizations may include:
- theatres
- festivals
- visual arts organizations
- music organizations
- arts education organizations
- literary and publishing organizations
- film and media arts organizations
- museums
- heritage organizations
- artist collectives
- cultural clubs
- community-based arts and cultural organizations
Ready to invest in your next generation of leaders?
Whether you’re an organization looking to develop an emerging leader or an arts and culture professional ready to take your next step, ACLP offers a practical opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
Nominate a participant or apply by November 15 at 11:59PM ➜
By the end of the program, you’ll be better equipped to:
Strengthen your leadership, governance, and nonprofit management skills
Apply practical tools and strategies to your day-to-day roles
Approach decision-making and problem-solving with greater confidence
Contribute to organizational succession planning and long-term sustainability
Build relationships with peers across the arts and culture sector
Continue your professional growth through coaching and mentorship opportunities
Key Dates
November 15, 2026 at 11:59PM
Nomination and application deadline for Cohort 1
November 20, 2026
Cohort 1 begins
14-week program period, including a holiday pause
Have questions or want to make sure it’s the right fit?
Reach out to our ACLP Coordinator at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this program for?
Can I apply directly?
Yes. Individuals may self-nominate, provided they have employer endorsement. Organizations may also nominate a staff member or volunteer. Whether you are applying directly or nominating a participant, you must fill out the nomination form by November 15, 2026 at 11:59PM.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. ACLP is a free learning and leadership-development opportunity.
Is participation compensated?
No. Participation is a voluntary, learning-focused opportunity. While participants do not receive financial compensation, they gain practical professional development, peer connections, and access to coaching and mentorship opportunities.
What is the time commitment?
Participants are expected to attend and actively engage throughout the full 14-week program. If you anticipate missing a session, you should notify the program coordinator as early as possible.
Will I receive a certificate or credential?
No. ACLP does not provide academic credit, certification, accreditation, or a professional designation.
What topics will be covered?
The program will explore practical leadership and organizational topics relevant to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, including financial management, governance, human resources, fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Funded by
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Montréal (Québec) H3A 1E7
514-878-9788
As a charitable organization, YES strengthens the community by providing support services in English to help Quebecers find employment, start a business, and grow their business.
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888729050RR0001
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