ART OF LEADERSHIP

The purpose of the Art of Leadership program is to bring together youth for experiential opportunities and leadership development to better our communities. Our belief is that strong leaders can effect change and positively impact our communities.

The Art of Leadership program was designed to provide an opportunity in Baltimore that did not previously exist by bringing together a cohort of young people from diverse backgrounds. These aspiring leaders will participate in workshops and experiences that will explore societal issues. The diversity of the cohort is essential in examining issues, fostering rich discussions, and effecting change.

The program runs from August to July (12 months). Leadership sessions are held once or twice a month on Sunday afternoons. In addition to the monthly meetings, there are two retreats in the fall and spring. During summer break, the cohort will work together to create a Capstone Public Art Project, at a Baltimore location chosen by the cohort and Art of Leadership team.

Each session will focus on different topics and social justice issues, and reinforce an array of leadership competencies and advocacy skills. Sessions typically last 4 or 5 hours, and may be held in person (with health checks, socially distanced and wearing masks) or virtually. Example sessions include an interactive History of Baltimore focused on race and class, the FACTUALITY Game with Natalie Gillard, Ability and Disability, Mental Health, and retreats which focus on community building and stepping outside your comfort zone. Meals and snacks are always included!

The Art of Leadership accepts applications from students who are in 9th or 10th grade when the application is open each year, from November through March. Accepted participants must begin 10th or 11th grade at the start of the program year in August.  Candidates must have an interest in leadership development and dedication to learning and sharing in a diverse environment.

No! Candidates do not need to have artistic talent or skills. During the program, all participants will work together to create a community art project, but artistic skill is not required.

Candidates can apply online starting in November. The online application requires the participant to submit general contact and demographic information, list relevant experiences, and complete short answer questions. A non-family member, such as a teacher, coach, mentor, or counselor, must also submit a letter of recommendation. Candidates who successfully pass the application process will be invited to interview.

Each cohort selects around 15 students to participate. Candidates are welcome to reapply the following year if they meet the eligibility requirements.

The program cost is $2000, which includes food, entrance fees, experiential programs, and speaker fees. If you apply for financial aid, full and partial scholarships are readily available to cover this cost.

Accepted participants should meet with their school-based service learning/community service coordinator to determine whether the Program is eligible and approved for service learning hours. If approved, the program will provide up to 30 hours of service learning/community service through participation in the Capstone Public Art Project.

Upon successful completion of the program, leaders become part of a growing Alumni Network with current ties to college campuses across the nation. Alumni will take their knowledge, experience, and skill set with them into their careers in Baltimore and around the world while serving as a wide network to share skills, resources, and opportunities with one another.

Alumni also have the opportunity to join the Art of Leadership Alumni Council, to act as liaisons and support between the AOL staff and AOL Alumni Network, assisting in the organization of Alumni events and initiatives, creating social media posts, helping to secure and generate content for Alumni Newsletters, and contributing to program planning and content. Art of Leadership Alumni Council members can expect to continue to develop their leadership skills, receive additional training in event planning and facilitation skills, and have support for all given tasks and responsibilities from the AOL Director and Coordinator. If you are an AOL Alumni interested in joining the Alumni Council, email Bailey DesRoches at: bailey@artwithaheart.net

Each year, two participants from the previous year’s cohort may be accepted as fellows, bringing direct youth perspective to the next year’s cohort experience, and putting into practice the leadership skills they developed the year prior. Art of Leadership Fellows play a critical role in helping to manage the logistics of the monthly sessions and aid in the planning and implementation of the curriculum. Fellows will also have the opportunity to enhance their leadership and facilitation skills during one-on-one meetings with the Director and Coordinator.

The year concludes with a Capstone Public Art Project: Leaders are guided in a process to select a community partner. The team works with Art with a Heart public art directors and the partners’ leadership to design, create, build, and install their art. Past project partners include MCVET (Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training), Safe Streets and the Rose Street Community Center, Lillie Mae Carroll Jackson Public Charter School, the Franciscan Center of Baltimore, and the William S. Baer School.