Artist Leadership Program
The Daybreak Artist Leadership Program creates pathways for experienced Daybreak Artists to grow as leaders, mentors, educators, advocates, and professional artists within our creative ecosystem. Rooted in a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, the program recognizes that Daybreak Artists bring valuable creative skills, perspectives, and lived experience that can strengthen the entire community.
The Artist Leadership Program is designed to be flexible, allowing artists to pursue one leadership opportunity or several and engage in different ways as their skills and interests develop. The goal is to help each artist recognize their strengths, put skills into practice, and turn their participation in the Daybreak community into meaningful leadership and professional opportunities.
Artist Leadership Opportunities
Peer Mentorship
As artists become more established within the Daybreak community, they begin supporting newer artists—welcoming them into the studio, sharing what they’ve learned, answering questions, and helping others feel comfortable and connected. This informal peer mentorship is often the first way artists begin stepping into leadership at Daybreak Arts and is recognized as an important first stage in the Artist Leadership Program.
Artist Speaking & Media
Artist Speakers use their voices to connect with audiences through artist talks, panels, community presentations, podcasts, and live or pre-recorded media interviews. Past examples include 2016 Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts, 2019 Nashville Design Weekpanel, and 2025 cityCURRENT radio interview. Through training and practice, artists build confidence in public speaking, discussing their artwork, and sharing their experiences while learning how to navigate different speaking and media opportunities. View press here.
Special Projects and Committees
Artists can step into leadership by bringing their ideas, skills, and perspectives to committees and projects that shape Daybreak Arts and strengthen our community. Opportunities have included serving on the Programs Committee, contributing to our organizational rebrand, participating in community murals and councils, and taking on other collaborative projects where artists help shape ideas, make decisions, and bring projects to life.
Paid Creative Opportunities
Daybreak Artists can build their experience and earn income through paid creative opportunities including workshops, demonstrations, presentations, live painting, performances, commissions, and other creative projects. Artists who demonstrate a passion and skill for teaching through one-time opportunities may have the opportunity to advance into a recurring, paid Teaching Artist role with Gigi’s Creative Corner, Daybreak Arts’ youth program, where they lead creative activities and share their artistic knowledge with young people.
Artist Advisory Board Member
Artist Advisory Board Members bring the perspective and voice of current Daybreak Artists to the Daybreak Board of Directors. Formed in 2020, the Artist Advisory Board gives artists a space to share feedback and insight about programs and the artist experience. Artist Advisors are nominated and elected by their peers to serve as non-voting Board members for two-year terms, helping inform organizational decisions while building leadership and governance experience. Meet Advisory Board here.
Artist Ambassadors
Daybreak Artist Ambassadors represent Daybreak Arts and help build connections throughout the community by participating in exhibitions, events, conferences, and community programs. They also contribute articles and stories to publications such as The Contributor, participate in media and outreach opportunities, and help introduce new audiences to Daybreak Artists and their work. Artist Ambassadors are artists in the Collective who are already taking on these types of roles, and Daybreak Arts recognizes their initiative, leadership, and commitment to representing the artist community.
Leadership opportunities are matched to each artist’s interests, strengths, goals, and comfort level. Participation in the Artist Leadership Program is not a staff position; it is an opportunity for artists to build confidence, professional experience, communication and leadership skills while contributing to the community they helped shape.
How the Artist Leadership Program Works
The Artist Leadership Program builds on an artist’s growth and involvement in the Artist Collective. As artists participate, develop their creative skills, build relationships, and become more involved in the Daybreak community, they may begin to take on leadership opportunities.
Artists who are interested in leadership can explore opportunities that match their strengths, interests, and goals. Depending on the opportunity, Daybreak Arts may provide additional training, mentorship, practice, or preparation. This might include public speaking and media training, teaching experience, or preparation for a specific project or community engagement opportunity.
Artists can grow into different leadership opportunities, including Peer Mentorship, Paid Creative Opportunities, Artist Speaking & Media, Artist Ambassadors, Special Projects & Committees, and the Artist Advisory Board. Artists do not have to pursue every opportunity or follow a set path.
How Artists Advance
Artists are considered for leadership opportunities based on demonstrated participation, reliability, skills, and interest. There is no single path into leadership, but artists generally demonstrate the following:
Active Participation
Maintain consistent participation in the Daybreak Artist Collective, including studio time, workshops, exhibitions, or other program activities.
Reliability & Follow-Through
Arrive prepared and on time, communicate consistently with staff, follow through on commitments, and meet deadlines associated with leadership opportunities.
Creative Development
Demonstrate growth in their artistic practice and the ability to confidently share their creative skills, process, or knowledge with others.
Communication Skills
Communicate respectfully and effectively with staff, artists, community members, and partners, including the ability to receive and apply feedback.
Community Participation
Demonstrate a commitment to the Daybreak community by supporting fellow artists, participating in events or exhibitions, welcoming new participants, or contributing ideas and feedback.
Leadership Readiness
Demonstrate initiative, good judgment, and the ability to take responsibility for a specific role or opportunity with appropriate support from Daybreak staff.
Interest & Commitment
Express an interest in pursuing a particular leadership pathway and be willing to participate in any additional training, preparation, or mentorship needed for that role.
There are many ways to grow as a leader at Daybreak, and every artist brings different strengths and interests. Some artists may discover a passion for teaching, while others may enjoy speaking, connecting with the community, mentoring other artists, or helping shape Daybreak’s programs. Each opportunity has its own skills and experience that can help an artist feel prepared and confident in the role. Artists can explore opportunities when they feel ready and find the path that fits their interests, strengths, and goals.