Room to Breathe and Grow: The Executive Leadership Forum at Sundance

Posted by Mr. Lawrence Brad Anderson, Jan 15, 2019


Mr. Lawrence Brad Anderson

I have had the honor and pleasure of attending Americans for the Arts’ Executive Leadership Forum (ELF) three times in the last eight years. Without a doubt, these experiences have provided the best leadership and professional development in my life. The ELF is an opportunity for executive directors in the arts and culture field to come together for the opportunity of deep learning, reflection, and planning, all aimed at advancing the arts at the local level. Having several days to reflect, retreat, connect, and celebrate with colleagues who “get it” is a tremendous bonus that is both restorative and empowering. The location of this training—Sundance, Utah—is beautifully designed with lovely accommodations, excellent customer service, and breathtaking scenery.

The quality of content carefully prepared by the Americans for the Arts staff helps ensure that each ELF provides the enrichment and reflection necessary to equip local arts leaders in what is often a busy and demanding life. The attention to detail and advanced reading material helps set the stage for a great learning opportunity. Each of the presenters bring a great deal of professionalism and depth of experience to the table, giving each of the participants a chance to engage, ask questions, and be challenged in a healthy and safe place.

Each year, ELF meets at Sundance in conjunction with the National Art Policy Roundtable (NAPR), which convenes a select group of artists, philanthropists, and thought leaders annually in lively dialogues that explore how we can create a more vibrant role for arts and culture in 21st century American society. Each day is designed to connect the ELF participants with the NAPR, which consists of government, philanthropic, artistic, and business leaders from across the country. Breaking bread with this group a few times a day provides additional connections between the arts at a local and a national level. Shared meals also include incredible performances by young and emerging artists who are attending the NAPR discussions.

So, what difference does this make in my local leadership? First of all, I have been able to bring home some cutting edge ideas about arts and community integration. For instance, in 2013 discussions about arts and healing were just underway nationally. I was able to bring what I learned on arts and healing back to my community. I was also able to improve my understanding of governance versus management after a session with David Grant, which helped me improve communication with both my staff and boards.

In 2017, it was David Grant again who inspired me with his recently published book, “The Social Profit Handbook,” which is helping shape how our staff evaluates programs, sets priorities, and reports on impacts of the services we provide. These focused sessions go a step further than typical conference programming, giving participants time to apply what we are learning in unique and personal ways.

One of the most important aspects of the Executive Leadership Forum are the case studies that each of the 15 to 20 participants are asked to prepare. These are detailed reports on an unsolved leadership problem that are presented to the group. The act of writing the report is important by itself, but when they are presented to caring and knowledgeable colleagues, amazing and beautiful things can happen. During these presentations there has been laughter, crying, frustration, and relief as our challenges are dissected and our respected peers offer insight and wisdom to help equip local arts leaders to return to their community with far more than they left with.

Probably the most important aspect of the Executive Leadership Forum is also the one that is hardest to explain. During my four days at Sundance I spend very little time checking in at work, watching cable news, or talking on the phone. Thankfully, the cell signals aren’t that great—and why should I stare at a screen when there is so much else to see, do, or experience? But the real impact is the depth of relationships that are formed in a few short days on the mountain.

My connections with peers during Sundance has been incredibly empowering. Knowing that there are new friends that I have across the country that are an email or phone call away provides incredible comfort as I face challenges in my professional life. I feel less isolated and alone and know that there is a group that has my back.

If you are looking for an excellent way to recharge your batteries, are willing to share your insight and experience with others, and are looking for an opportunity to make meaningful connections with your peers, then I highly recommend the Executive Leadership Forum.


Applications for the 2019 ELF will open this spring. For information, send an email to Ruby Lopez Harper at [email protected].