NeXt! is a program dedicated to preparing the next generation of emerging professionals for volunteer leadership roles within the Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana arts community. NeXt Ambassadors undergo a 9-month immersive program with leaders from across the community to develop necessary skills, build diverse relationships and apply the lessons learned.  

The NeXt! Ambassador Leadership Development program returns this fall after taking a year to explore and reimagine the program for transformative leadership. Applications for the September 2022 – May 2023 program will open on May 9, 2022 and close on June 20, 2022. 

Click here by June 20 to apply to be a NeXt! Ambassador!

The 2022 – 2023 NeXt! Ambassador class will be announced in July of 2022.

Time Commitment

Participants in the 2022-2023 NeXt! Ambassador class participate in two monthly program sessions and participate in 5-8 volunteer events with local arts organizations (totaling 15-20 hours) during a 9-month period.

DATES:

• September 1 and 15, 2022, 4:00-6:00 PM
• October 6 and 20, 2022, 4:00-6:00 PM
• November 3 and 17, 2022, 4:00-6:00 PM
• December 8, 2022, 4:00-6:00 PM
• January 5 and 19, 2023, 4:00-6:00 PM
• February 2 and 16, 2023, 4:00-6:00 PM
• March 2 and 16, 2023, 4:00-6:00 PM
• April 13 and 27, 2023, 4:00-6:00 PM
• May 11, 2023, 4:00-6:00 PM
• May 25, 5:00-7:30 PM: NeXt! Ambassador Graduation and board matching event

Program Fee

Accepted applicants will be asked to pay a one-time, annual fee of $600.

Fund for the Arts and the NeXtGen Board of Directors encourage all interested applicants to apply. If the fee is a barrier to you, please contact Kate Gipson at Fund for the Arts directly at kgipson@fundforthearts.org to discuss scholarships and other funding options. 

Timeline

• Applications open: May 9, 2022
• Information Session: May 13, 2022 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM
• Deadline to apply: June 20, 2022
• 2022-2023 NeXt! Ambassadors announced: July 22, 2022
• Program: September 2022 – May 2023
• NeXt! Ambassador graduation and board matching event: May 25, 2023, 5:00 – 7:30 PM

Questions?

Fund for the Arts and the NeXt! Ambassador program are committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all applicants to develop leadership skills, if you have questions at any point in the application process, please reach out to Kate Gipson at Fund for the Arts: kgipson@fundforthearts.org

“The art in the city needs to reflect the whole of our community; the audience needs to reflect the population. For generations, the art scene has been driven by a small number of well-intentioned intentioned serving the city what they believed the city should eat. Now, our generation of young leaders is taking a closer look at who is in the kitchen, and if the spread truly reflects the taste of those who live in our neighborhoods. We are actively recruiting to diversify our engaged and empowered artists and ambassadors.”

Will Hollis, Current NeXtGen Board Member and NeXt! Ambassador class of 2019

“For me being part of NeXt provided me with the opportunity to become immersed in the arts community in my “new” home. NeXt allowed for me to make great connections and to also provided knowledge and guidance for becoming a supporter and board member for other organizations.”

Tori Powell, current NeXtGen Board Member and NeXt! Ambassador class of 2020

“The NeXt program prepared me for board leadership by showing me all the different aspects of the great arts organizations here in Louisville. How their mission is tied to everything they do, how to help at all different levels, but most importantly that it takes volunteers like me to ensure our cultural partners thrive.”

Jon Riehm, NeXt! Ambassador class of 2015