Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

Nominations Open for Second Class of the Michael D. Eisner Arts and Culture Fellowship

The Aspen Institute and the Eisner Foundation open nominations for a new cohort of arts and culture leaders — accepting submissions now through November 3.

Washington, DC, September 24, 2026 — The Aspen Institute and the Eisner Foundation today opened nominations for the second class of the Michael D. Eisner Arts and Culture Fellowship. The program brings together accomplished leaders from across arts and culture to reflect on their leadership, engage in meaningful dialogue about the role they play in shaping culture, and build relationships that can help turn their influence and ideas into lasting positive change.

The program’s first class — 26 leaders spanning film, television, visual art, theater, music, publishing, and more — began its two-year program in June 2026. Building on that foundation, the program is seeking a second cohort of 20–22 leaders from around the world who have achieved significant success in their fields and are ready to learn alongside peers and explore how they can use their platforms, creativity, and unique leadership abilities to contribute to a better future. Over the course of two years, the class will convene four times in Colorado and other global locations for week-long seminars designed to deepen reflection, dialogue, and exchange.

Candidate Criteria

The program welcomes nominees who:

  • Make art, including visual artists, performers, musicians, directors, dancers, and choreographers;
  • Create the conditions for art to be made, including producers, curators, and arts financiers;
  • Bring art to audiences and communities, including studio executives, museum directors, and publishers;
  • Live and work around the world, representing both major centers of arts and culture and places whose creative contributions are too often overlooked;
  • Span generations, creating opportunities to exchange insights across ages and lived experiences; and
  • Demonstrate boldness, vision, and a commitment to using their leadership to engage with some of the most consequential challenges of our time.

“Powerful things happen when creative leaders are encouraged to encounter people and ideas that challenge how they see the world. After just one seminar, this first class of Fellows is already leading in new ways as they collaborate across disciplines,” said Michael D. Eisner, CEO, The Tornante Company and Aspen Institute Trustee. “I’m excited to build on the momentum and identify a second cohort of leaders. The arts have always helped us imagine a different future. Investing in the people shaping culture today can help turn that imagination into a better world.”

Nomination and Selection Process

Nominations are open through November 3, 2026. Candidates must be nominated by a third party; self-nominations will not be considered. Individuals interested in being considered should identify a nominator to put them forward.

The selection process will identify 20–22 exceptional leaders representing a wide range of perspectives from across the arts worldwide. To learn more or nominate a candidate, visit agln.info/about-EAC-nominations. 

The Michael D. Eisner Arts and Culture Fellowship is a collaboration between the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN) and the Aspen Institute Arts Program, with founding support from the Eisner Foundation. Upon completing the program, Fellows become lifelong members of the AGLN, joining a community of more than 4,200 leaders who have completed one of 16+ cohort-based leadership programs, including the Henry Crown Fellowship, Technology Leaders Initiative, China Fellowship Program and many others. Across the network, Fellows are connected by a commitment to putting their leadership into action in response to the defining challenges of their communities and the world.

About the Eisner Foundation

The Eisner Foundation identifies, advocates for, and invests in high-quality and innovative programs that unite multiple generations for the enrichment of our communities. The Eisner Foundation was started in 1996 by Michael D. Eisner, then-Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and his wife Jane to focus their family’s philanthropic activities. The Eisner Foundation gives an estimated $10-12 million per year to nonprofit organizations based in Los Angeles County and New York City. In 2015, The Eisner Foundation became the only U.S. funder investing exclusively in intergenerational solutions. To learn more about The Eisner Foundation, please visit eisnerfoundation.org.

About the Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit aspeninstitute.org.

Contact: Samantha Cherry
Director, Communications and Engagement
Aspen Global Leadership Network, Aspen Institute
[email protected]