Are you looking to gain experience in the business of arts and culture?
In 2026, we're offering two sessions of our Career Accelerator program, designed with a long-term goal of diversifying perspectives in the arts and culture workforce. Research shows that teams with diverse backgrounds are more creative and resilient.
Our spring session runs Feb. 16–April 24, 2026. Applications for the spring session will be accepted Dec. 8–Jan. 18.
Our fall session runs Sept. 14–Nov. 20, 2026. Application dates will be announced.
Participation in Tessitura's Career Accelerator is free of charge for applicants accepted into the program. The information on this page is for our North American program.
Program benefits
Over this 10-week program, participants will:
Gain foundational knowledge, hands-on experience and practical skills using Tessitura’s CRM platform in fundraising, memberships or ticketing
Join a community of colleagues and mentors providing support, community and professional networking
Secure access to a library of Tessitura Training Center materials to expand your knowledge
Program details
The spring session runs Feb. 16–April 24, 2026 and is free of charge.
Up to three hours per week of self-paced online learning in fundraising, memberships or ticketing (approx. $300 USD value)
Three 90-minute group conversations with participants, mentors, program staff and invited guests
Five 60-minute small group mentoring sessions
Private online forum for participants and mentors
One year of access to Tessitura Training Center materials
Full scholarship to the next North American Tessitura Learning & Community Conference (conference fees only, approx. $1600 USD value; travel and hotel costs not included)
“It was a privilege to be a part of the pilot program and I believe it has incredible potential to grow and positively affect arts administrators of color.”
Eligibility & application details
Applicants must:
- Be located in North America
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Demonstrate lived experience that is underrepresented or marginalized in the business of arts and culture
- Commit to participating in all 10 weeks of the program to the best of your ability
Spring 2026 application timeline:
- Applications open Monday, Dec. 8 and are due by Sunday, Jan. 18
- Applicants will be notified of their status no later than Wednesday, Jan. 28
- Accepted applicants must confirm participation by Sunday, Feb. 8
Terms and conditions:
- Participation in the Career Accelerator program is free of charge.
- A selection committee of Tessitura staff will choose up to 24 participants from submitted applications.
- If you need accommodations due to a disability, we will accept your application in another format. Please contact our team.
If you have any questions about the application process or would like to speak with someone before applying, please contact our team.
Tessitura does not unlawfully discriminate against program applicants based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, gender identity and expression, physical or mental disability of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service, engaging in legally protected activity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.