Applications are now open for the Michael D. Eisner Arts & Culture Fellowship 2027. The Michael D. Eisner Arts & Culture Fellowship is a pilot initiative in partnership between the Aspen Global Leadership Network and Aspen Arts Program. It will bring together two cohorts of 20-22 intergenerational leaders from across the global arts ecosystem — artists, creators, producers, financiers, curators, and cultural visionaries — who have achieved success in their fields and seek to expand their impact.

This fellowship is modeled after the Aspen Institute’s Henry Crown Fellowship launched in 1997. Fellows will gather four times for week-long seminars, engaging in moderated dialogue that challenges participants to clarify their role as leaders in the world. It is funded by a $4 million investment from the Eisner Foundation as part of Aspen Institute’s 75th anniversary campaign.

Quick Overview:
Host Institution is Aspen Institute, Aspen Global Leadership Network and Aspen Arts Program. Fellowship duration is 2 years, comprising 4 week-long seminars (approx 25 days total). Cohort size is 20-22 leaders per class, intergenerational and global. Location is Aspen Meadows campus in Colorado and other cultural hubs. Deadline for nomination is November 3, 2026. Funded by Eisner Foundation.

What Does the Fellowship Cover? – Costs

Participation is provided at no cost to Fellows or their organizations. Through the generosity of the Eisner Foundation, costs including seminar tuition, program materials, and lodging are fully covered.

Fellows are responsible only for their travel to and from seminar locations and incidental expenses. Limited assistance may be available to offset travel costs in special circumstances. This is therefore described as fully funded, but travel is borne by Fellows.

The Fellowship Experience:

Each seminar is a multi-day, in-person gathering that brings the Fellows together — no partners or outside guests. Seminars are grounded in the Aspen Institute’s signature method: small-group, text-based dialogue led by a trained moderator, where Fellows read and discuss works by philosophers, artists, writers, and leaders across history and use them as a lens to examine their own values, decisions, responsibilities, and visions as leaders.

This is not a lecture series or a networking retreat — it’s a structured space for candid reflection and honest dialogue among peers.

Beyond attending the seminars, Fellows are expected to actively participate in discussions, engage with peers, and contribute to a collaborative environment grounded in trust and shared purpose. All Fellows also commit to a journey of impact that puts their leadership into action.

Upon completion, Fellows become lifelong members of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, joining a community of more than 4,000 leaders in 62 countries.

Who Is Eligible?

They are looking for accomplished arts leaders who have achieved considerable success in their careers and are ready to explore how their creativity and leadership can contribute to addressing society’s greatest challenges.

Ideal Fellows will come from across the arts ecosystem, including leaders who:

Make art such as artists, performers, writers, designers, and architects. Create conditions for art to be made such as producers, agents, financiers, and curators. Bring art to the world such as museum directors, gallery owners, media executives, philanthropists, and cultural commentators.

Candidates should demonstrate boldness, vision, and a clear capacity to influence others through their work. The program seeks a diverse, intergenerational, and global class that reflects a range of disciplines, experiences, and perspectives. Age range of first class was 35 to 62 — this is intergenerational by design.

Fellows must be able to commit fully to all four in-person seminars. Those unable to attend all seminars will not be considered.

How to Apply – Nomination:

They are accepting submissions now through November 3, 2026. Within the Nomination Form, nominators are asked to reflect on their candidate’s leadership journey, desire to broaden their impact, and what makes them an ideal candidate for this Fellowship opportunity.

You can be nominated by someone else or you can express interest yourself via the official link.

need resources to help you become more prepared for this fellowship?

Documents You Should Always Have Ready for Scholarships, Jobs, Grants and Fellowships

Fellowship Application Toolkit: Essential Resources for Successful Applications

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