Introduction: Celebrating Arts Leadership
Leadership in the arts is not just about directing performances or managing museums; it’s about fostering creativity, inspiring new ideas, and building communities. Recently, there have been exciting developments that highlight the evolving role of leaders in this vibrant sector. From international competitions recognizing emerging talent to new leadership roles at iconic institutions, here’s a snapshot of what’s trending in arts leadership.
1. Next Creative Leaders Competition
The One Club for Creativity has opened entries for the 10th annual Next Creative Leaders 2025 competition. This global event celebrates talented creatives who are stepping into leadership roles, offering a platform to women, non-binary, and trans individuals. The competition is unique because it is free to enter, ensuring access for all. It highlights innovative work and unique perspectives, helping break barriers in the creative industry. The deadline for entries is June 16, 2025, and winners will be recognized globally for their contributions to creativity and leadership.
2. Leadership at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Pierre Terjanian, currently the chief of curatorial affairs and conservation, will become the next CEO and Ann and Graham Gund Director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Announced in April 2025, this change marks a significant milestone for the MFA as Terjanian brings a strong curatorial vision and deep understanding of the institution’s collections. His leadership promises to guide the museum into a new era of community engagement and cultural impact, solidifying its position as one of the world’s major art museums.
3. Leadership Insights: The Chuck Hagel Forum
The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) recently hosted the 7th Annual Chuck Hagel Forum in Global Leadership. This event featured a discussion with former U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Retired Admiral John F. Kirby on what makes a great leader. The forum explored leadership in high-stakes environments, focusing on international relations, global trade, and national security. Such discussions highlight the broader implications of leadership skills, demonstrating how insights from different fields can inform arts management and policy.
4. Celebrating Women Leaders
Announcements like the Top 50 Women Leaders of San Diego for 2025 provide a spotlight on exceptional leadership in various sectors, including arts. Recognition of these leaders not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires others to aim higher. Tania Azar, Vice President of People and Culture at Atrium, is one example, with expertise spanning decades across diverse sectors, including human resources and strategic operations. Such recognitions underscore the role of leadership in shaping future generations of artists and innovators.
5. Educational Initiatives in Leadership
While not directly related to the arts, business leadership podcasts, like the Leadership & Business Podcast from William & Mary, offer valuable insights applicable to arts management. Discussing strategies and tactics for effective leadership, these resources can inform how arts organizations approach their leadership challenges. For instance, they explore the importance of principled achievement, diversity of thought, and humility in leadership—crucial qualities for arts leaders navigating complex creative environments.
Key Takeaways for Arts Leadership
- Innovation and Accessibility: Competitions like Next Creative Leaders push for inclusivity and accessibility, reflecting a broader shift in arts leadership towards diversity and inclusion.
- Strategic Vision: Leaders like Pierre Terjanian at the MFA are reshaping institutions with bold visions and deep understanding of their assets.
- Interdisciplinary Insights: Forums like Hagel’s highlight the value of cross-disciplinary leadership insights in addressing global challenges.
- Celebrating Achievements: Recognizing women leaders and their contributions amplifies their influence across industries.
- Principled Leadership: Embracing qualities like empathy, integrity, and principled achievement can inspire effective arts leadership.
Through these stories, we see a dynamic arts leadership landscape that values creativity, innovation, and community engagement. As we look forward, these trends will likely continue to shape the direction of arts institutions and inspire new leaders to emerge.
References:
- https://mediaavataarme.com/news/advertising-marketing/27641/the-one-club-opens-entry-call-for-global-next-creative-leaders-2025/
- https://ahs.avon-schools.org/ahs-news-updates
- https://www.unomaha.edu/news/2025/04/2025-hagel-forum-discussing-evolving-leadership.php
- https://mason.wm.edu/news/leadership-and-business-podcast/
- https://www.prweb.com/releases/women-we-admire-announces-top-50-women-leaders-of-san-diego-for-2025-302423203.html
- https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/data/tools/firms/faq
- https://www.wgbh.org/culture/2025-04-10/mfa-announces-new-leadership
- https://www.scusd.edu/sites/main/files/file-attachments/april_10_2025_amended_packet.pdf?1744070420
