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Now Accepting Applications: 2024–25 National Leaders of Color Fellowship

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Arts Midwest and the other United States Regional Arts Organizations are now accepting applications for an eight-month leadership development experience for leaders of color.


The National Leaders of Color Fellowship is a transformative leadership development experience curated by Creative West (formerly WESTAF) to establish multicultural leadership in the creative and cultural sector.

During this no-cost online fellowship, selected fellows receive national network building in a cohort, strategic learning sessions, and access to specialists in the field. 

Upon completion of this program, participants transition to alumni status and have opportunities to collaborate with the USRAO in their region as advisors, funding panelists, and/or other professional capacities.

National Leaders of Color Fellowship Overview

  • What is it? The National Leaders of Color Fellowship is an eight-month no-cost online leadership development that runs from late fall 2024 through early summer of 2025.
  • Who can apply? Candidates who self-identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a person of color and self-identify as an early or mid-career leader in the field of arts and culture.
  • Where: Individuals should be current resident of the United States (including U.S. Jurisdictions).
  • When to apply? Applications are due Sunday, October 13, 2023 (11:59 p.m. MT)

We expect that fellows will spend approximately 10 hours a month on the program, including meeting dates listed on the fellowship website as well as ongoing opportunities to connect with your USRAO (Regional Arts Organization).

Join an Information Session

Join Creative West for an information session on September 26 at 5 p.m. MDT.

You’ll get an overview of the LoCF program, a walkthrough the application process and application system, and have a chance to ask questions.

Sign Up

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Read the Application Guidelines

Learn more about the National Leaders of Color Fellowship, eligibility requirements, and how submit your application.

Learn More

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Meet the 2023–24 Arts Midwest Fellows

Fifty-three fellows from communities across the U.S. were selected to participate in last year’s fellowship program. Meet our Midwestern Cohort.

Read More

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Have questions about the National Leaders of Color Fellowship?

We’re happy to answer any questions you have about the National Leaders of Color Fellowship. Be sure to check out the FAQs page, or email our program liaison with your questions.

FAQs Email Us