Professional Development

The createnyc.cityofnewyork.us cultural plan outlined a number of goals and strategies for creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultural sector, including calling for new programs to support cultural workers and institutions through professional and organizational development. As a result, the Department of Cultural Affairs has developed pilot programs to support cultural workers, especially workers from historically underrepresented groups, and organizations serving communities across New York City. These professional development programs are designed to help participants advance into leadership positions in the cultural sector, and to give them the tools they need to position their organizations as sources of enrichment for all New Yorkers.


CreateNYC Leadership Accelerator

Launched in 2018, the CreateNYC Leadership Accelerator supports cultural workers from diverse backgrounds as they seek to grow into leadership positions across the city’s cultural sector. The program, which utilizes a curriculum created by the CUNY School of Professional Studies, was created in response to research showing that mid-level staff at cultural organizations tends to be far more diverse than senior leadership, pointing to barriers to advancement within organizations.

Learn more about the CreateNYC Leadership Accelerator.


Community Organizing 101

Launched in 2019, Community Organizing 101: Engagement Tactics for Cultural Organizations was a technical assistance course intended to introduce cultural organizations to tactics and strategies for sustained community building. During the CreateNYC public engagement process, many cultural organizations reported a strong desire to better engage with audiences that have not traditionally frequented their programming, in particular people from historically marginalized communities. Community Organizing 101 will provide organizations with tools to develop stronger community-based relationships with these residents. Applications are currently closed.
Learn more about Community Organizing 101.