2006 ICFAD Leadership Institute
May 24 - 26, 2006
The University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

THEMATIC HIGHLIGHTS:

Artists and leaders face similar challenges.  Like an artist, a successful leader takes risks, explores new ideas, and persuades others toward a shared vision. The ICFAD Leadership Institute provides a dynamic backdrop for examining the tenets of strong leadership within the arena of higher education and arts administration.  The conference will explore key questions, such as:

• What is good art leadership in a college or university today?
• Are there general leadership principles? If so, what are they and how can we apply them to give direction to academic institutions and inspire faculty and students to do their best work?
• Do fine arts leaders in academia face challenges that require special skills and knowledge?  If so, what are these challenges and how can we prepare to meet them imaginatively?

Our institute leaders will engage participants in addressing these and related questions.  Anchoring the discussion with mini-lectures on the history of universities and the philosophy of leadership, they will urge each participant to consider the chain of connections between his or her personal artistic vision, educational philosophy, and leadership aims and methods. 

The institute is planned to attract a cohort of seasoned and newly appointed fine arts deans, department chairs, school directors, as well as anyone who wants to know more about leadership and the administration of arts programs in higher education.  The sessions will be interactive versus didactic, meaning each participant is essential to the design and focus of the institute.  There will be ample time for networking with other attendees, perhaps leading to mentoring opportunities. 

• Enhance your personal leadership practice
• Gain insights from your peers through group discussions and case studies
• Renew your leadership vision

BENEFITS OF THE ICFAD LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:

• Identifies candidates who are preparing themselves for a leadership role in arts education at the college or university level
• Enhances leadership skills required to make a difference for seasoned administrators
• Provides tools for self-assessment and career planning
• Sharpens insights and stimulates growth opportunities
• Helps develop career plans and evaluate strategies for breakthroughs
• Fosters a network of peers, advisors and mentors to promote career development and help individuals excel in new ways

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF FINE ARTS DEANS:

The International Council of Fine Arts Deans (ICFAD) is an alliance of administrators representing institutions of higher education.  ICFAD provides leadership in arts education, offers a forum for the exchange of ideas and information, and addresses issues of common concern.  Further, ICFAD is committed to fostering the highest standards in the profession, encouraging global understanding and cooperation, providing services to its members, and offering leadership for the arts in society. For additional information, please visit www.icfad.org