Nominations
How to Nominate a Candidate
To be considered for the Fellowship, candidates must express their interest or be nominated by a third party.
Nominations are open now through December 12, 2025.
Please note that nomination is not a guarantee of selection. The Aspen Institute and the Eisner Foundation will review all candidates and select 20 to 22 Fellows for the inaugural class.
Selection is based on several factors, including demonstrated success, bold vision, and leadership potential. We aim to assemble a global and intergenerational class representing artist leaders across arts disciplines.
The Expression of Interest Form invites individuals to share their own interest in becoming a Fellow or recommend another leader for consideration. Upon submission and on a rolling basis throughout the nominations period, the Aspen Institute team will review and confirm eligibility.
Please note: Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee a formal nomination. Due to the high volume of submissions, not all individuals who complete the form will be contacted by the team.
Nomination FAQs
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR
Who is the ideal candidate?
We are looking for accomplished arts leaders who have achieved considerable success in their careers and are ready to explore how their creativity and leadership can contribute to addressing society’s greatest challenges.
Ideal Fellows will come from across the arts ecosystem, including:
- Leaders who make art such as artists, performers, writers, designers, and architects.
- Leaders who create conditions for art to be made such as producers, agents, financiers, and curators.
- Leaders who bring art to the world such as museum directors, gallery owners, media executives, philanthropists, and cultural commentators.
Candidates should demonstrate boldness, vision, and a clear capacity to influence others through their work. The program seeks a diverse, intergenerational, and global class that reflects a range of disciplines, experiences, and perspectives.
COMMITMENT
What do you expect from Fellows?
We are looking for accomplished arts leaders who have achieved considerable success The Fellowship requires each Fellow to commit fully to the program’s four in-person seminars held over two years, with each seminar lasting approximately one week.
Beyond attending the seminars, Fellows are expected to actively participate in discussions, engage with peers, and contribute to a collaborative environment grounded in trust and shared purpose.
All Fellows also commit to a journey of impact that puts their leadership into action on our greatest challenges.
Participation is provided at no cost to Fellows or their organizations. Through the generosity of the Eisner Foundation costs including seminar tuition, materials, and lodging are covered. Fellows are responsible only for their travel and incidental expenses.
PARTICIPATION
Is there flexibility in the requirement that the Fellow attend every seminar from start to finish?
We are looking for accomplished arts leaders who have achieved considerable success iFellows must attend all four seminars in full to complete the program. The experience is intentionally designed as a shared journey, and full participation is essential to maintaining the trust, reflection, and continuity that define the Aspen Fellowship model.
Because of this, those unable to commit to the full seminar schedule will not be considered for the current class but may be eligible for nomination in future cycles.
Seminar Dates:
- Seminar 1: June 25-30, 2026
- Seminar 2: November 8-14, 2026
- Seminar 3: January-March 2027 (Choose from multiple Leading in a Global Context Seminars in various locations with other Fellows across the AGLN)
- Seminar 4: August 8-13, 2027
Questions?
Contact the AGLN team.