Portland, Ore. – The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) is now accepting applications for Art of Leadership, a training program that prepares business professionals to serve on the boards of arts and culture organizations. The Art of Leadership was first established by Business for Culture & the Arts in 2003, and was transferred to RACC in 2015.

Led by internationally acclaimed arts consultant George Thorn, the Art of Leadership series includes six half-day workshop sessions featuring expert speakers, interactive sessions with arts and business leaders and topical information about the challenges facing arts organizations of all sizes. The program also provides opportunities for internships to observe an arts board in session, and a “speed dating” event to meet with organizations that are seeking new board members.

Over the past 12 years, more than 450 people have graduated from the program. Recent graduates serve on the boards of Young Audiences of Oregon & Southwest Washington, Post5 Theatre, Independent Publishing Resource Center and Blue Sky Gallery. Art of Leadership graduates have chaired the boards of Literary Arts, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Write Around Portland, Portland Youth Philharmonic and others.

Tuition is $800 per person, with a $100 discount for companies that participate in Work for Art, RACC’s workplace giving program. A limited number of partial scholarships are also available. The application deadline is October 26 and up to 40 participants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The series begins on November 18th and continues through April. For a complete schedule and curriculum guide, and to register online, visit www.racc.org/artofleadership.