Affinity Spaces
AAC Affinity Spaces provide leaders of color at all levels within the arts and culture ecosystem with a culturally affirming environment to connect, share resources, and support one another. These spaces foster meaningful relationships that advance both individual and collective efforts.
Our affinity spaces will convene virtually on a quarterly basis for peer coaching, resource sharing, and relationship building as we navigate ongoing industry changes. Each session will begin with a full-group welcome activity, followed by optional breakout rooms based on role categories. Participants will also have access to a resource bank to support ongoing learning and collaboration. These gatherings offer a space for our community to shed armor and engage in honest, safe conversations about their experiences, while also serving as a key pillar in expanding networks, fostering community, and supporting those who feel siloed in their environments.
Affinity Space Rooms:
Executive & Managing Directors – Leaders in arts organizations, including Executive Directors, CEOs, Managing Directors, and other senior leadership roles responsible for strategic direction and organizational oversight.
Fundraisers & Funders – Professionals working in fundraising and philanthropy, such as Development Directors, Fundraising Consultants, Philanthropy Officers, and Program Officers at foundations who support arts funding initiatives.
Advocates & Policy Leaders – Individuals shaping arts policy and advocacy, including Policy Directors, Advocacy Leads, Program Managers at nonprofit arts organizations, and researchers focused on cultural policy and equity.
Arts Educators – Educators and administrators advancing arts education, including K-12 Arts Educators, Teaching Artists, Program Coordinators for arts education programs, and school-based arts administrators.
Curators & Museum Professionals – Arts and culture professionals working in museums and galleries, such as Curators, Docents, Exhibition Coordinators, Collections Managers, and Museum Educators.
Consultants & Entrepreneurs – Independent professionals and business owners providing arts-related services, including CEOs of private consulting firms, Independent Consultants, Arts Entrepreneurs, and Creative Professionals specializing in areas like grant writing, marketing, and production.
Marketing & Communications Professionals – Individuals specializing in branding, audience engagement, and public relations, including Marketing Directors, Communications Managers, Social Media Strategists, and Public Relations Specialists.
Operations & Finance Professionals – Professionals managing the internal workings of arts organizations, including Chief Operating Officers, Operations Directors, Finance Directors, HR Managers, and Administrative Managers.
Individual Artists – Freelance artists across all disciplines, including visual artists, musicians, dancers, writers, theater artists, and multidisciplinary creatives.
Festival Producers – aspiring and seasoned event producers, and community organizers producing festivals, including Event Managers, Executive Producers, and Block Captains.
Connect with peers in similar roles across the country to build relationships and share strategies.
Join us in building community, deepening relationships, and shaping the future of our sector—together.
2025 calendar of affinity spaces:
April 16, 4 pm ET
July 16, 4 pm ET
October 15, 4 pm ET