Arts leaders, funders, elected officials, and advocates gather at Point Park University for the Arts Council's Policy & Action Roundtable  // Photo by Randall Coleman

Advocacy Leadership Institute

Turn Passion for the Arts into Powerful Advocacy

Licensed from CreativeOhio, the Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI) prepares leaders across Southwestern Pennsylvania’s arts and cultural community to advocate with clarity, credibility, and confidence, at both the local and state levels.

In 2026, ALI launches in the Greater Pittsburgh region for the first time. This inaugural cohort will help seed a growing network of advocacy champions who understand how policy decisions are shaped, how public funding flows, and how to stay meaningfully engaged in civic processes over time.

Advocacy isn’t a one-time action. It’s a sustained commitment, built on relationships, knowledge, and the courage to keep showing up.

Five people sit around a conference table in an office, having a discussion.
Arts leaders meet with Rep. Emily Kinkead during Arts Advocacy Day in Harrisburg // Photo by Patrick Fisher

What is the Advocacy Leadership Institute?

The Advocacy Leadership Institute (ALI), developed by CreativeOhio, was created to build stronger, more confident advocates across the arts and cultural community.

When ALI is in session, participants come together once a month over six months for a cohort-based experience rooted in connection and real-world learning. The program blends expert guidance, peer exchange, and on-site exploration, giving participants practical tools, shared insight, and the relationships needed to advance meaningful advocacy in their communities.

The curriculum includes:

  • Legislative processes and how policy decisions happen
  • Public funding mechanisms and what influences them
  • Relationship-building with elected officials and community leaders
  • Strategies for building a culture of advocacy within organizations
  • Hands-on collaborative learning and topic-specific field trips
Two women shaking hands and smiling at an indoor event, with two others in the background.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato greets ALMA | LEWIS Executive Director Kilolo Luckett at the Arts Council's Policy & Action Roundtable // Photo by Randall Coleman

Who Should Apply?

ALI is designed for established arts and cultural leaders who are ready to deepen their advocacy practice and join a growing statewide network of peers committed to lasting impact.

If you care about strengthening Greater Pittsburgh through arts, culture, and creativity, and want practical tools, trusted relationships, and the confidence to speak up effectively, ALI is built for you.

Applications are now open through September 30, 2026.

APPLY NOW

People sit in a circle having a meeting in a room with a City Theatre sign on the wall.
Arts and culture leaders gathered with then-Mayoral candidate Corey O'Connor at City Theatre in October 2025 // Photo courtesy of Corey O'Connor's Facebook page

What You’ll Gain

Participants exit ALI with the clarity, skills, and momentum to advocate consistently and effectively, within their organizations and across their communities.

Knowledge
Build a clear understanding of how legislative processes work, how public funding flows, and the vital role the arts ecosystem and cultural sector plays in our civic life and economy.

Know-How
Gain practical tools and strategies to champion your organization, support your community, and advance the broader arts ecosystem and cultural sector with confidence.

Connection
Develop meaningful relationships with policymakers and a trusted peer cohort of cultural leaders committed to shared impact.

A group of people listens to a woman speak in a colorful art studio
Sen. Lindsey Williams and arts leaders hear from artist Jacki Temple during an advocacy trolley tour stop at Atithi Studios in Sharpsburg // Photo by Patrick Fisher

Tuition

Tuition: $300 for members, $600 for non-members
Scholarships: Available to ensure accessibility

Important Dates

Virtual Info Session: August 20, 2026, 9-10 a.m.
Applications open: July 23-September 30, 2026
Program sessions: Third Tuesday of each month, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., January–June 2027

Register for Info Session

Advocacy Leadership Institute Facilitator

Dr. Brett Ashley Crawford (she/her)

Smiling portrait of woman with short hair wearing a black collared shirt
Advocacy Leadership Institute Facilitator Dr. Brett Ashley Crawford is a Teaching Professor of Arts Management at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. Dr. Crawford has worked extensively as a professional arts manager, primarily in theatre, and as a professor in both arts management and theatre history. She currently serves as the executive director for the Arts Management and Technology Laboratory, a Research Center in Heinz College. AMT Lab serves the field through active research and engagement into the technology solutions artists and institutions are utilizing in their workdays and public programs.

If you have questions about the Advocacy Leadership Institute or would like to inquire about scholarships,  please email CEO Patrick Fisher at pfisher@pittsburghartscouncil.org, or call 412-391-2060 ext. 225.

Thanks to Our Supporters

The Advocacy Leadership Institute is made possible through the generous support of the Heinz Endowments and in partnership with CreativeOhio.