In June 2017, Arts for LA announced the Laura Zucker Fellowship for Policy and Research, the first ever fellowship for individuals to effect change at the regional level focused on arts and cultural policy development, reform and implementation in Los Angeles County and the accompanying research necessary to inform such policies. 

The Fellowship is open to those who have a demonstrated interest in conducting research and/or crafting public policy pertaining to the arts and cultural landscape of the Los Angeles region. Details of eligibility can be found below.

Fellows will work independently on their proposed policy/ research project under the guidance of Arts for LA staff, an established and qualified research advisor, in partnership with Arts for LA’s Policy Committee (a subcommittee of Arts for LA’s Board of Directors) and Program Advisory Committee, and access to other organizations and individuals that comprise Arts for LA’s expansive network of strategic partners.

BENEFITS OF THE FELLOWSHIP:

• Recognition as a Laura Zucker Policy and Research Fellow
• $3,500 stipend
• One-on-One mentorship from Arts for LA leadership
• Access to Arts for LA’s resources, including, but not limited to, in-house data and expertise as well as access to strategic partners and collaborators: Arts for LA’s Policy Committee, Program Advisory Committee, strategic working groups, and expansive network of arts advocates and delegates.
• Real-world experience crafting and executing an independent research project involving the collection and/ or analysis of data to inform policy initiatives or the development, reform, and/or implementation of policy initiatives.
• The opportunity to investigate and enhance the understanding of factors that influence successful public policy pertaining to the arts and cultural landscape of the Los Angeles region.

GUIDELINES AND ELIGIBILITY:

• Live or work in Los Angeles County.
• Recently graduated from a masters or doctoral program in Public Affairs, Public Policy, Arts Management/ Administration or related fields, OR have a minimum of 5 years experience working as an artist , in arts administration, arts education, public affairs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in OR experience conducting research and/ or crafting public policy pertaining to arts and culture or arts education.
• Be able to commit to approximately 20 work-hours per week for a 3-month (12-week) period.
• Lived experience may be considered as a substitute for the qualifications listed above. Otherwise qualified applicants will be considered, as Arts for LA will pair fellows with with a mentor to guide the research process 

FELLOWSHIP EXPECTATIONS:

The selected Fellow must:

• Be able to commit to approximately 20 work-hours per week for a 3-month (12-week) period.
• Research will be used to advance Arts for LA's policy platform, and AFLA reserves the right to review or edit content, tone, and vision at their discretion.
• Agree to compile and present their Fellowship project to Arts for LA staff and key partners, at Arts for LA's State of the Arts Summit, and/or at ACTIVATE Arts Advocacy Leadership Program training sessions (as appropriate) upon the completion of the Fellowship.
• Agree to compile a full report and executive summary of his/her work over the course of the Fellowship to be included in Arts for LA communications, including, but not limited to: Arts for LA’s monthly newsletter, Arts for LA’s website, and Arts for LA’s social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).