Application Open: Friday, Jan 16, 2026

Deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026 by 11:59 PM PST

ID: a video format with a white background with Deaf Arts Leadership in the middle.

OVERVIEW
HOW TO APPLY
FAQ

THE DAL APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Deaf Arts Leadership (DAL) is a new pilot program by Urban Jazz Dance Company and Deaf Spotlight. DAL aims to increase the pool of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing leaders in the arts and culture sector across the United States. Many thanks to the Borealis Philanthropy Disability Inclusion Fund for supporting this project. 

In the DAL program, you will: 

  • Learn the business side of the creative sector: fundraising, marketing, budgeting, strategic planning, and fostering equity in the arts ecosystem

  • Practice antiracism and social justice

  • Blend theory and real world experience to lead in the arts and culture sector

  • Strengthen your personal growth, leadership, and event planning skills

  • Participate in professional development workshops, panels, events, networking opportunities, etc.

  • Receive mentorship from arts and creative professionals in sign language

Keep reading for more info on DAL. You can also check out the How to Apply page and FAQ.

Program Values

  • Accountability

  • Creativity

  • Community

  • Antiracism and social justice 

  • Collective leadership

  • Community stewardship 

  • Belonging

Who Can Apply

We seek to build a cohort that aspires to create transformative changes within their communities. The cohort will represent diversity in arts discipline, geography, demographics, and life experience. 51% or more of our cohort participants will identify as BIPOC.

Visit the How to Apply page for application info.

Candidates must be:

  • Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, or Hard of Hearing

  • US-based citizens or residents who can provide a W-9

  • 21 years of age or and over when the program begins

  • Able to pay a $10 nonrefundable application fee 

We are looking for candidates who:

  • Have (or want to) pursue a career in the arts, entertainment, and/or media  

  • Have at least 4 years of experience in the arts as an artist, arts administrator, producer, etc. 

  • Have desire and drive to be changemakers in the arts world—expanding your influences and fresh ideas to make lasting impacts

  • Have contributed significant volunteer service to their communities

  • Demonstrate experience and success working as part of a team at work, in the community, or elsewhere

  • Have curiosity and willingness to explore new viewpoints 

Cohort Expectations

  • Commit to this program for 2 years, contributing at least 42 hours of your time over each year (about 5 -10 hours monthly) 

  • Attend mandatory Program Orientation (March 21, 2026)

  • Attend one of two in-person site visits (October 9-11, 2026 in Seattle, WA or August 14-16, 2026 in San Francisco, CA)

  • Meet with mentors one-on-one at least 6 times a year for 2 years

  • Engage and meet with your cohort between scheduled sessions to finetune your projects

  • Attend all meetings, panels, workshops, events, etc. to your best ability

  • Respond to emails within 5 business days (for urgent deadlines, 2 business days)

  • Practice and uphold confidentiality, ensuring a trusted and safe space for everyone involved

  • Support and practice social justice, racial justice and equity

Program Structure and Key Dates

DAL runs from March 2026 to November 2027.

The program consists of:

  • A group orientation

  • One in-person site visit (either Seattle, WA or San Francisco, CA)

    • All expenses (lodgings, roundtrip airfare, and per diem) will be covered by the DAL program. 

  • Virtual cohort sessions (virtual, every two months)

  • A group project with your cohort mates, to be completed outside of cohort sessions

  • One-on-one sessions with mentors at least 6 times per year for two years

  • Developing and executing an individual community project during 2nd year

Cohort members will receive:

  • Year 1: $1,500 honorarium

  • Year 2: $1,500 honorarium, plus $3,000 in seed money to execute an individual project

Time Commitment

Participants will be required to commit to this program for 2 years. You will contribute at least 42 hours of your time over the year (about 5-10 hours monthly).

  • Meeting with mentors one-on-one at least 4 times a year for 2 years

  • Engaging and meeting with your cohort mates between scheduled sessions to complete your projects

  • Attend all meetings, panels, workshops, and events to your best ability

Please carefully review the program schedule below to see if you are available for all sessions.

Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm PST / 1 pm - 5 pm EST

  • March 21, 2026 | Orientation

  • April 18, 2026 | Idea to Reality Part 1: Big Picture

  • May 16, 2026 | Grant Writing

  • June 20, 2026 | Idea to Reality part 2: Details Details

  • September 19, 2026 | How to Finance Your Project

  • November 21, 2026 | Self-Care & Community Building

Offsite visits (either one)

  • August 14 - 16, 2026 | Bay Area International Deaf Dance Festival, hosted by Urban Jazz Dance Company (San Francisco, CA)

  • Oct 9 - 11, 2026 | Deaf Lit Fest, hosted by Deaf Spotlight (Seattle, WA)

Questions?

Check out the FAQ.

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