Fellowship in Arts and Culture Management

In 2006, The Chicago Community Trust and six Chicago cultural institutions—Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, John G. Shedd Aquarium, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry—joined together to enhance the connection of arts and cultural organizations to diverse ethnic communities. This sustainable program will create a legacy of arts and culture leaders.

The first class of Fellows have now completed their series of six rotations. We've asked these diverse professionals to reflect on their experiences in the program.

Sandra Aponte - Community Relations Fellow
	Sandra came to the program with years of experience supporting Chicago's low-income youth. Now she is working alongside senior leadership, developing the strategic vision to manage a complex, world-class cultural institution. Read Sandra's story >>

Shanstella Barnes - Accounting Fellow
Before her Fellowship, Shanstella worked for several not-for-profit groups as well as in the property and asset management industries. This breadth of experience enabled her to bridge the development and accounting departments at Lincoln Park Zoo, creating strategies for a new grants accountancy position. Read Shanstella's story >>

W. Imara Canady - Community Relations Fellow
	A performer turned administrator, Mr. Canady appeared with Wildfire World Theater in Sydney, Australia, before joining the Atlanta mayoral staff. Now he's creating relationships between local museum leadership and state elected officials. Read Imara's story >>

Safiyah Jackson - Education Fellow
Safiyah's masters degree in education informed her dedicated volunteer service. Her leadership has helped generate new outreach programs—and a permanent job offer. Read Safiyah's story >>

Tanya Jeong - Marketing Fellow
	Ms. Jeong's marketing and advertising work promoted high-profile clients like Kraft Foods, Heinz and the U.S. Army. Now she's creating marketing plans for the city's museums, and building new bridges to the Chinese-American community. Read Tanya's story >>

Veronica Vidal - Development Fellow
Veronica's development experience has benefited Chicago's arts organizations. Since starting her Fellowship, she has reached out to state legislators and helped secure the passage of conservation legislation through the U.S. House of Representatives. Read Veronica's story >>

Six Chosen for Fellowship in Arts & Culture Management Program Read the original press release from the program's launch here >>