All Rise Initiative: Diversifying Arts Administration

We believe it is our collective duty to cultivate a field that is rich in diverse perspectives across a number of dimensions. These include race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, nationality, immigration status, and more. Applicants are welcome and encouraged to expand this list to include whatever additional dimensions they feel are appropriate.

“Tomorrow belongs to those of us who conceive of it as belonging to everyone; who lend the best of ourselves to it, and with joy.”

— Audre Lorde

The arts administration field is enriched when our teams behind the scenes are as diverse as the audiences we seek and serve. Regardless of position, each of us has a responsibility to work toward this reality in our daily work and create an ever-widening sense of belonging in the arts.

Since 2017, Tom O’Connor Consulting Group (TOCG) has provided pro bono mentorship to arts administrators of color and to individuals from communities historically excluded or underrepresented in the arts. Each year, we aim to ensure that arts administration professionals have the opportunity to strengthen their networks, learn from one another, and continue advancing their careers.

The All Rise program runs two cohorts per year, each lasting four months. It is designed for early and mid-career professionals and those in career transition. Our team is small, and although we cannot accept every applicant, we consider a variety of factors during the selection process.

2026 Application Timeline

  • Cohort One: Beginning February 2026

    • Applications are open now and due by October 31, 2025

    • Selected applicants will be confirmed by  November 2025

    • The cohort will run from February to May 2026

  • Cohort Two: Beginning September 2026

    • Applications are due by August 2026

    • Selected applicants will be confirmed by July 2026

    • The cohort will run from September to December 2026

There is no rigid curriculum. Each Riser’s experience is co-created in partnership with our team to serve their unique goals, challenges, and career interests. All participants will receive:

  • Bi-weekly tailored coaching sessions offering perspective, encouragement, and practical guidance. These one-on-one meetings respond to your goals and may focus on skill-building, networking, navigating barriers, or other priorities you identify.

  • Monthly virtual meet-ups with the full cohort and members of the TOCG team to share insights, explore questions, and support one another

  • Access to a dedicated LinkedIn group to stay connected with past and future cohorts

Applicants do not need to meet specific eligibility criteria. However, this program is intended for individuals in the earlier stages of their careers or those undergoing a professional transition. The application form below asks for a few short reflections on who you are, what you’ve done so far, and what you hope to build next (spoiler: it’s okay if that evolves).

If selected, you’ll be matched with a member of the TOCG team who will reach out to schedule bi-weekly meetings over the term.