Explore the arts -
     Upfront and backstage

Are you a talented artist? Do you dream of seeing your name in lights, your art hanging in a gallery or your cutting-edge building livening up the landscape? At the National Student Leadership Conference’s Inside the Arts program you will discover what it’s like to be a professional artist. Through opportunities to explore the visual and performing arts from backstage and behind-the-scenes, you will learn what it takes to succeed – and survive – in the art world.
EXPERIENCE

Interactive Career Simulations
The NSLC Inside the Arts uses an interactive approach to learning that gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the challenging complexities of the art world. You and your team will showcase your own talent as you create and manage your own Community Arts Center. From designing the building to performing on Opening Night, you will be responsible for making all the decisions that could turn your new center into a world-renowned home for the arts.

Meet Fine Arts Professionals
While at the NSLC, you will meet with and learn from leaders in the worlds of art and architecture. In past years, NSLC students have heard from special guest speakers including professional artists, actors, musicians, museum and gallery owners and top architects. You will experience the world of the professional artist firsthand during exclusive visits. In past years, NSLC students have gone behind-the-scenes at:

  • Second City
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago Architechture Tour

LEARN

At the NSLC you will enjoy college-level lectures on basics of art management. The lecture series will form a foundation of knowledge that will be vital to your success, not only during the conference but in your future career in the arts. Topics include:

  • Marketing the Arts
  • Understanding Audience Demographics
  • Financing the Arts
  • Incorporating Arts into the Community
LEAD

At the heart of the NSLC is a leadership curriculum designed to build concrete leadership skills that will help you succeed. From the beginning of your program you will learn to work as a team during an exciting Ropes Challenge Course. Interactive lectures and small-group workshops will give you an opportunity to build upon your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Leadership topics tailored to the Inside the Arts program include

  • Personality Styles and Group Dynamics
  • Public Speaking and Communication
  • Negotiation and Intrapersonal Communication
In addition to the visits above, your NSLC session may include trips and tours to:
CHICAGO, IL
Navy Pier
Magnificent Mile
Grant Park
Sears Tower

During summer 2009, the NSLC Inside the Arts will be held in Chicago, IL. The dates and location are:
Chicago, IL: Loyola University
June 13 - June 18
June 20 - June 25
June 27 - July 2