NASHVILLE – The Arts & Business Council (ABC) presents Arts Board Matching, a business and arts partnership program that places business professionals in board leadership roles at Nashville arts organizations. The new program promotes dynamic leadership in the arts community by cultivating the skills needed to be effective, engaged board members and by making matches between vibrant individuals and arts organizations.
During the program, professionals learn to lead and influence people, take risks, resolve conflicts, practice creative decision-making, and help strengthen the community by serving on a nonprofit board of directors. After completing three workshops, business participants will be invited to attend a speed-dating style matching event, where they can interact with representatives from local arts organizations. Event attendees will undergo a mutual selection process, whereby participants will commit to serving a full term on a nonprofit board.
“The speed-dating event was a great way to quickly meet and learn about a diverse group of arts organizations in Nashville. The format was low-pressure and allowed for me to identify potential board matches based on my interest level with the organization’s mission and purpose. As a result, I am currently serving a three year term with the Tennessee Women’s Theater Project,” said Laurie Parker of NES.
“Our firm’s participants were enthusiastically positive about both the training and matching components. They have enjoyed their continued board service and we are happy to have them more involved in the community,” said Thor Urness, Partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings and Chair of the Arts & Business Council Board of Directors.
The Ideal Candidate for Arts Board Matching:
· Rising-star professional
· Has 3-10 years of business experience
· Desires to serve an arts organization
· Seeks networking opportunities
Interested business participants can email a copy of their resume as well as a cover letter expressing interest in the program to abcintern@abcnashville.org
Interested arts organizations are encouraged to fill out the online information form. Additionally, the ABC will host an information session during the first week of October in order to answer questions and provide program details.
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The Arts & Business Council (ABC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that drives collaboration between arts and business to create a thriving and sustainable creative culture in Nashville. ABC’s offers four year-round programs in service to its mission: Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts, Education for the Creative Community, Arts Board Matching, and WorkCreative for Business. More information is available at www.ABCnashville.org.