Help Emerging Arts Leaders Flourish

Growing up, I was constantly told that art is nothing more than a hobby. A real career is something like pursuing medicine, law, or engineering. And for the longest time, I believed that. However, it wasn’t until my senior year of high school where I finally put my foot down and decided to apply to schools of music across the country.

As I am navigating my way through my last semesters of university, I look back to see the most fulfilling part of this journey has been the connections I’ve made. The relationships with my fellow musicians, professors, mentors, and friends have pushed me to believe that art is worth pursuing, even during times where I didn’t have the strength to believe in myself. While preparing to enter the workforce, I am also preparing to look for a professional mentor outside of the academic space. The Arts Administrators of Color Network has provided just that with their mentorship program.

AAC is committed to providing transformative mentorship and professional development opportunities for emerging arts leaders so that people like me, who have been told “no” their entire life, can finally have the chance to flourish in the space of their dreams.

AAC first launched its mentorship program in 2016 and has served over 40 emerging arts leaders of color who all gained mentorship from BIPOC arts leaders and monthly professional development workshops to learn with their peers. Help AAC revamp this vital initiative to connect, support and uplift arts leaders of color looking for guidance to navigate and grow in our sector.  

If 500 donors chipped in just $20, this incredible initiative can be funded to relaunch this coming year. Please consider investing in the future of our sector by helping us relaunch this vital program.

Smarani Komanduri
Student, University of Michigan
AAC Service Learning Student