The Greenhouse

Where Wisdom Takes Root and Growth Is Shared
A mentorship experience rooted in collective growth for BIPOC arts leaders

What is The Greenhouse?

The Greenhouse is AAC’s reimagined mentorship program—designed to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) arts leaders through intentional connection, professional development, and long-term community building.

Mentorship can be powerful—but too often, it reinforces hierarchies, outdated power dynamics, or the assumption that only one person holds wisdom. The Greenhouse offers something different: a relational, care-centered model where growth is guided by shared commitment.

Here, learning flows in many directions. Everyone has something to offer, and everyone has room to grow.

Participants are matched in pairs—with Cultivators offering insight, encouragement, and support, and Seekers leading the direction of their own growth journey. While the learning is reciprocal, the focus is on helping Seekers find clarity, build confidence, and create community as they navigate careers in the arts and culture sector.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, stepping into something new, or ready to share what you’ve learned—this space is for you.

Why The Greenhouse?

A greenhouse is a space where growth is intentional. It offers structure and shelter—while letting in the light. The Greenhouse is our vision for leadership development: a place where BIPOC folks working in the arts are affirmed, supported, and given room to root deeply and rise boldly. This isn’t a transactional mentorship model—it’s a shared ecosystem. A thoughtfully tended space where growth is seasonal, personal, and grounded in care.

In a sector where BIPOC leaders too often face burnout, isolation, and instability, The Greenhouse is AAC’s answer:

  • A space where leadership can take root—not just perform

  • A space to receive support without judgment

  • A space to build relationships that extend beyond the program

Since 2016, AAC has supported thousands of BIPOC artists and administrators across the country. The Greenhouse continues that legacy—offering time, attention, and care to help leaders thrive, not just survive.

Program Timeline

Key Dates

  • July 28 – Applications open

  • August 20 – Applications due

  • August 21–September 1 – Matching period

  • September 5 – Participants notified (if matched) + orientation materials shared

  • September 16 – Participation fee and commitment form due

Cohort Gatherings
Tuesdays at 4:00 PM ET
Each session includes professional development, guest speakers, and peer reflection.

  • September 23 – Kickoff Orientation

  • October 21 – Session #2

  • January 13 – Session #3

  • April 8 – Session #4: Closing Session

Dates are subject to change as needed. 

Additional Activities

  • Monthly 1-on-1 check-ins with your partner

  • Periodic check-ins with AAC’s program team

  • Midpoint reflection survey

  • Final reflection survey

Contribution & Sponsorship

To keep the program accessible and sustainable:

Participants are invited to contribute a pay-what-you-can fee (suggested: $100 total for the full 10-month experience). This supports guest speakers, facilitation, and administrative costs—and confirms your commitment to the journey.

If you're able, consider giving above the suggested amount to help support another participant.

Interested in sponsoring a participant or supporting the program as a funder? Become a Founding Sponsor and help this garden grow.

Let’s Grow This Garden Together

Whatever season you’re in—germinating, blooming, or pausing—your leadership deserves care and community.

How It Works

Participants join in one of two roles: Seekers or Cultivators. Both show up with curiosity and care, but the focus centers on supporting the Seeker’s growth through consistent connection, reflection, and encouragement.

Seeker

Seekers are BIPOC arts leaders who are leaning into a season of growth. You might be navigating a transition, seeking guidance on your next steps, or craving connection. Whether you’re entering the field, pivoting to a new adventure, or simply looking for support, this space is for you.

Early-career leaders are especially encouraged to apply, but Seekers can be at any stage in their journey.

Seekers will:

  • Enter the program with a desire for support, and deeper sector insight

  • Reflect on areas of growth and identify short- and long-term leadership goals

  • Take initiative—scheduling check-ins, asking questions, and sharing challenges and wins
    Co-create a personalized work/goal plan with their Cultivator

  • Dedicate ~2–3 hours/month for meetings, reflection, and intentional follow-up

  • Be open to feedback, new perspectives, and reciprocal learning

  • Communicate needs and capacity honestly, while honoring boundaries and agreements

  • Show up with curiosity, clarity, and care—for themselves and the relationship

  • Engage fully in all cohort gatherings (90 minutes each, held quarterly)

Seekers don’t need to have everything figured out—but they should be ready to take ownership of their growth, lean into reflection, and welcome the support of a trusted guide.

Cultivator

Cultivators are experienced BIPOC leaders who bring wisdom, perspective, and presence to the mentorship relationship. They’re not here to dictate or direct—but to walk alongside, ask powerful questions, and create space for reflection, clarity, and possibility.

Cultivators support Seekers in building confidence, naming goals, and exploring new pathways in their leadership journey.

Cultivators will:

  • Enter the program with a spirit of generosity, humility, and steady encouragement

  • Offer thought partnership and insight drawn from lived experience

  • Support the Seeker’s growth plan without oversteering

  • Dedicate ~2–3 hours/month for check-ins, reflection, and ongoing dialogue

  • Ask thoughtful questions that help the Seeker explore opportunities and challenges

  • Hold space for uncertainty, growth, and evolution—not just outcomes

  • Model healthy boundaries and mutual respect

  • Communicate clearly and compassionately about availability, needs, and capacity

  • Engage fully in all cohort gatherings (90 minutes each, held quarterly)

Cultivators aren’t expected to have all the answers—they’re here to show up with the belief in reciprocal exchange rooted in trust.

What to Expect

Shared Commitments

Together, all participants will:

  • Dedicate at least 3 hours/month outside of meetings for personal reflection and professional development

  • Participate in all quarterly cohort gatherings

  • Respect each other’s time, needs, and boundaries

  • Be honest about expectations and capacity

  • Make space for joy, real talk, and community care

  • Share reflections to help AAC continue evolving the program

Each Seeker will create a personal growth plan to guide their journey, with input from their Cultivator. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—AAC provides tools, structure, and regular check-ins to support the process, while giving each pair the flexibility to define what works best for them.

Structure + Format

This is a 10-month guided experience that balances structure with flexibility.

Participants will:

  • Meet regularly with their partner (~2–3 hours/month)

  • Co-create a leadership or professional development goal plan

  • Join four virtual cohort gatherings with guest speakers, breakout groups, and community conversation

  • Participate in peer reflection spaces

  • Access a resource bank filled with toolkits, playlists, and shared content

  • Receive ongoing support and check-ins from the AAC team

  • Share feedback to help shape the future of the program

This is not an employment placement program—but it is a space to explore direction, and gain as a BIPOC individual in the arts.