ASC Celebrates 20 Years of Cultivating Cultural Leaders in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
In 2005, the Arts & Science Council (ASC) launched the Cultural Leadership Training (CLT) program with a bold vision: to reimagine board service not as an exclusive invitation, but as an inclusive, intentional pathway to civic leadership in Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s cultural community.
As Charlotte and Mecklenburg County’s cultural connector, ASC recognized the need to bridge the gap between passionate community members and meaningful cultural leadership. This vision laid the foundation for the CLT program, designed to equip diverse voices with the tools, access, and confidence to lead with purpose.
Our primary question was, “what if we could transform how the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region thinks about arts board service, not just as a seat at a table, but as a powerful opportunity to lead, advocate, and spark lasting impact?”
Twenty years later, the answer is resounding. Yes, we can. And we did.
Today, more than 500 CLT graduates have gone on to serve on the boards of dozens of arts, science, and history organizations in Mecklenburg County.
Through this program they’ve learned how to bring their unique business and financial acumen to support our cultural ecosystem. They’ve brought their lived experience, personal advocacy, and a deep commitment to building a more vibrant, equitable Charlotte.
Because of the support of ASC and our Cultural Leadership Training program, these graduates aren’t only sustaining the creative sector: they’re helping lead it into the future.
Meeting a Need: Why Board Service in the Arts Matters More Than Ever
Charlotte-Mecklenburg is a region on the rise: economically, demographically, and culturally.
As we continue to grow, our identity will also evolve, and we must ask: who is shaping the direction of that growth? Who has a voice in stewarding the organizations that reflect our values, tell our stories, and bring us together?
That’s where ASC, and our Cultural Leadership Training program, come in.
At ASC, we believe arts, science, and history aren’t just cultural experiences. They’re catalysts for inclusion, vitality, and belonging. And at the heart of a thriving cultural ecosystem lies one essential ingredient: strong, informed, and inclusive nonprofit governance.
Cultural institutions need boards that are diverse in thought, reflective of the communities they serve, and prepared to lead with integrity, strategic visioning, and care. Historically, the path to nonprofit board service has been opaque, exclusive, and intimidating to many, particularly those who have historically not been invited into those environments.
ASC’s Cultural Leadership Training program changes that. Being a good board member isn’t instinctual: it’s a learned skill set. One that requires education, mentorship, and, ultimately, time and dedication.
By demystifying the boardroom, offering hands-on training, and facilitating direct relationships between community leaders and cultural organizations, ASC is making board service not only accessible, but impactful for a new generation of leaders.
CLT goes beyond simply introducing participants to the arts sector.
Over nine months, it provides a comprehensive foundation in board governance, fundraising, equity and inclusion, nonprofit finance, and cultural literacy. And perhaps, most importantly, it teaches you how to show up ready to lead, not just observe.
As Doug Singleton, Executive Director of Charlotte Ballet, says:
“CLT graduates come in with a practical understanding of what it takes to be a board member. That makes my job so much easier.”
The result? A pipeline of diverse, equipped, and enthusiastic board members who are shaping the future of Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s cultural organizations, and helping ensure that the growth and identity of our city is inclusive, intentional, and powered by community leadership.
What Makes CLT so Impactful?
ASC’s Cultural Leadership Training is immersive, intentional, and relational. Over nine months, participants:
- Attend interactive workshops at cultural venues
- Learn directly from nonprofit thought leaders and board veterans
- Explore critical topics like nonprofit finance and donor relations
- Participate in a “speed-dating” placement event with cultural organizations seeking new board members
- Receive personalized coaching and board matching support from ASC
CLT participants graduate from the program not only equipped, but empowered.
Ask Karen Bernhardt, now SVP of Mass Advertising at Bank of America and a proud CLT alum.
After her CLT experience, she co-founded the Bechtler Young Visionaries, a networking group for creative young professionals, led a major board transition at Actors Theatre of Charlotte, and now serves on the board of JazzArts Charlotte.
“CLT gives you a great toolkit,” she says. “I felt ready.”
A 20-Year Legacy — and a Growing Impact
Twenty years in, CLT’s impact can be felt across the city: from Uptown to the neighborhoods of University City and beyond, with the program’s impact reaching across major institutions and emerging arts spaces. The program celebrates a ripple effect of influence, insight, and engagement.
CLT alumni serve on the boards of:
- Charlotte Ballet
- WDAV
- Digi-Bridge
- VAPA Center
- Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
… and many more.
CLT graduates aren’t just filling seats. They’re leading, questioning, advocating, fundraising, and helping organizations navigate change with confidence and clarity.
As Katherine Mooring, ASC’s longtime CLT program director, says:
“We’re building a legacy of cultural leadership in Charlotte, and creating a space where civic and business leaders can become community changemakers.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cultural Leadership
As we celebrate 20 years of the CLT program’s impact, we’re also asking: what’s next?
How might we deepen our pipeline of board-ready leaders?
How can other cities replicate this model for arts sector growth?
How can we continue to ensure arts and culture remain central to civic life?
We invite you to join that conversation – click here to learn more about ASC’s Cultural Leadership Training program.
You may be asking: is CLT Right for you or your organization?
If you’re a civic-minded professional eager to engage in arts leadership, or if you are a nonprofit organization located in Mecklenburg County with a primary mission of arts, STEM/science or history/heritage, ASC’s CLT program is your on-ramp.
- Learn More: Cultural Leadership Training Homepage
- Apply Today: Cultural Leadership Training ’25-’26 Application
Let’s keep building the cultural future Charlotte-Mecklenburg deserves – apply now to join ASC’s Cultural Leadership Training program.