Michael D. Eisner Arts & Culture Fellowship 2027

Overview

The Michael D. Eisner Arts and Culture Fellowship 2027 is a pilot initiative run in partnership between the Aspen Global Leadership Network and the Aspen Arts Program. It will bring together two cohorts of 20 to 22 intergenerational leaders from across the global arts ecosystem, including artists, creators, producers, financiers, curators and cultural visionaries, who have achieved success in their fields and want to expand their impact.

Modelled on the Aspen Institute's Henry Crown Fellowship, launched in 1997, the fellowship brings Fellows together four times for week-long seminars. These feature moderated dialogue that challenges participants to clarify their role as leaders in the world.

What you get

Participation is provided at no cost to Fellows or their organisations. Thanks to the Eisner Foundation, seminar tuition, materials and lodging are covered. Fellows are responsible only for their travel and incidental expenses.

Who can apply

The programme is looking for accomplished arts leaders who have achieved considerable success and are ready to explore how their creativity and leadership can help address society's greatest challenges. Ideal Fellows come from across the arts ecosystem. They include those who make art, such as artists, performers, writers, designers and architects, those who create the conditions for art to be made, such as producers, agents, financiers and curators, and those who bring art to the world, such as museum directors, gallery owners, media executives, philanthropists and cultural commentators.

Candidates should show boldness, vision and a clear capacity to influence others through their work. The programme seeks a diverse, intergenerational and global class reflecting a range of disciplines, experiences and perspectives.

How to apply

Candidates are put forward through a nomination form. Nominators reflect on the candidate's leadership journey, their desire to broaden their impact and what makes them an ideal candidate for the fellowship.

Key dates

Nominations are accepted through November 3, 2026.