Report Title:	Intermediary Profile Report
Report Date:

Organization:	ArtsLab	Program ID Number: I-26
Date Profile Created:	June 30, 2009	Date Profile Last Updated: July 7, 2011

Program Summary:
An in-depth, multi-year peer learning and technical assistance program, utilizing a hybrid model of retreats and distance learning. ArtsLab offers diverse activities to strengthen nonprofit arts groups in the upper Midwest. A joint venture of Arts Midwest and several major foundations, ArtsLab seeks to: (1) increase the leadership pool for tomorrow's arts sector, infusing the participating organizations with leadership and management skill building to promote long term community impact; (2) strengthen the presence of visionary small arts organizations in both urban and rural communities, maximizing their depth and stability; and (3) improve the quality of life in communities using the power of the arts in community development.

The ArtsLab selection panel included state and national representatives with a depth of experience in arts administration and capacity-building in communities of all sizes. Program participants are chosen because of their demonstrated ability to creatively explore their own artistic path, while also probing a deeper understanding of engagement with audiences and their civic community. Those selected meet criteria emphasizing cultivation of new artistic aesthetics, reach to diverse audiences, and readiness for an in-depth, multi-year learning program. ArtsLab serves both emerging and mid-career artists, challenges traditional organizational structures and meets a wide range of regional needs.

Each participating organization begins with an organizational assessment and then develops a strategic plan with organizational goals; financial support is tied to success meeting those goals. Participants share ideas and study best practices using peer learning seminars or "Labs," one-to-one consulting, distance learning, and modest grants (beginning with a grant of $10,000 each). Participating organizations meet together quarterly for peer retreats.

Four dimensions of capacity are focused upon: (1) Leadership Capacity: the ability of organizational leaders to inspire, prioritize, make decisions, provide direction and innovate; (2) Adaptive Capacity: the ability of a nonprofit to monitor, assess and respond to internal and external changes through strategic focus, assessment and evaluation; (3) Management Capacity: the ability to ensure effective and efficient use of organizational resources, with particular focus on financial, funding and audience development tools and skills; and (4) Operational Capacity: the ability to implement key organizational and programmatic functions, through focus on systems and technology

To assist with the program's curriculum, coaching design, training and development, ArtsLab has retained a diverse team of experts. Areas of expertise covered by the curriculum planning team include board development and governance, executive assessment and coaching, staff and volunteer skills-building, conflict management, organizational effectiveness, fundraising, evaluation and strategic planning, financial management, social change and community engagement, community development, marketing and communications and media relations.

Now completing its second multi-year cycle and preparing for the third (launch 2012), a growing body of thorough evaluation evidence of program success is mounting. An external evaluator with significant experience in the arts has been engaged throughout the program.