Creative Community Leadership Institute (CCLI) was an intensive, in-person, cohort-based training program with real-world practice for artists, culture bearers, community organizers, community development practitioners, and other leaders seeking to deepen their impact in creative community building.
Each year, CCLI hosted three cohorts, one each in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Cohorts met in person three times over six months from spring to fall, with each session in a different location within the state.
Each cohort centered land and Native nations in part by being located in Native communities, nations, or tribal land. Sessions featured guest presenters and connection to local sites and leaders, and had a threefold focus: centering participants’ individual passions and knowledge; sharing practical tools and techniques; and inspiring cross-sector ideas and connections. In addition to learning together, participants were supported to design and implement a mini-pilot project in their home base.
Selection of applicants prioritized practitioners who are Native and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), disabled, and/or are from rural and smaller-town communities. Participants received modest financial support for the pilot project and to offset costs of travel.
The CCLI experience was aimed at enhancing perspective, making connections, and impacting participants’ communities. Outcomes for CCLI participants included: gaining more knowledge about the role of art and culture in community problem solving; building skills to be able to effectively integrate art and culture into community development; leadership growth; and gained networks of cross-sector peers.
CCLI was co-led by Racing Magpie (Rapid City, SD) and Springboard for the Arts (St. Paul and Fergus Falls, MN), and made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation.
CCLI lead organizations
CCLI is made possible through generous support from the Bush Foundation.
