Arts Professionals Advisor Link

Arts Professionals Advisor Link (APAL) is EAL/LA‘s mentorship program, offering participants valuable guidance and encouragement to strengthen their leadership capacity.

The idea for APAL emerged in 2007 during a convening for arts professionals—in association with Americans for the Arts—when the issue of mentorship was discussed and deemed essential for the advancement of future arts leaders in the greater Los Angeles arts community. The program addresses a growing concern for sustainable leadership in arts and culture organizations, as discussed in recent reports by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, and the Young Nonprofit Professional Network – Los Angeles Chapter.

APAL was conceived and piloted by EAL/LA members who were matched and met with recognized Los Angeles-based arts leaders to foster a reciprocal professional development experience. Over the course of one year, Advisors and Advisees meet at least four times on mutually agreed upon topics with an emphasis on the Advisee’s areas of interest. In addition to these one-to-one meetings, APAL program events include mixers throughout the year and a culminating event for all the participants involved in the program. APAL is self-administered by its participants and the process of building relationships and idea-sharing has ignited new, innovative ways to approach leadership growth within the arts community.

APAL is beginning its fourth year. Year Five applications will be available in November 2013.

APAL Participants:

APAL Year Two Participants

APAL Year Three Participants