Seattle Theatre Group Introduces Ricardo Frazer Executive Leadership Program For BIPOC Professionals

Seattle Theatre Group has announced the Ricardo Frazer Executive Leadership Program, a new professional development program that will identify a cohort of exceptionally talented BIPOC professionals who are poised to lead large performing arts organizations in the future. The program is named for STG Board Member and former Board Chair Ricardo Frazer, a passionate leader in Seattle's music and BIPOC communities, and strives to address the underrepresentation of racial diversity in Washington State's arts and cultural sector.

 

The Ricardo Frazer Executive Leadership Program, which will be facilitated by Aaron Reader, STG's Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access, will provide space for early, emerging, and mid-level arts professionals to strengthen and expand their knowledge of the arts sector, deepen their leadership capacities, and strengthen their networks to support advancement into executive leadership positions. STG believes that this work will contribute to greater equity and diversity in the arts.

 

“I often think about all of the people who believed in and continue to believe in me,” said Ricardo Frazer. “Without them, I would not be where I am today. This program reflects that essence – it allows us to see something in other young people and believe in them. We will sew into them the seeds of success and elevate them in a way that they might not have been before. I'm honored to be recognized by this program and be a part of ensuring that the next generation of BIPOC leaders have the tools they need to succeed and pave the way for the generations that follow.”

 

“At STG we want to be more intentional about uplifting the leadership skills that BIPOC arts professionals possess but haven't been able to effectively implement in their various positions,” added Aaron Reader. “We're excited to integrate a platform for our industry's emerging leaders to learn, grow, put their skills into action, and be part of developing a pipeline of highly qualified BIPOC leaders into the future.”

 

Four in-person Institute Sessions will emphasize the following topics: Creating a Leadership Vision; Deepening Leadership Capacities – Theory and Practice; Learning from Success Stories; and Integrating Theory, Practice, and Personal Knowledge – Creating a Plan. After each Institute Session, cohort members will collaborate with their home arts communities to strength and apply their learning to “real world” contexts. They will also receive mentoring and development coaching.

 

Applications are now being accepted for the inaugural program, which begins September of this year and runs through Spring 2024. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, August 25, 2023. Eligible applicants must identify as a member of BIPOC communities, are an early, emerging, or mid-level leader in the field of arts and culture, and are a current Washington State resident. For more information and to apply, please click here.

 

Ricardo Frazer is a pioneer of the music business in Seattle. Known for co-founding the creative agency and production company Zaki•Rose and being the longtime manager to Sir Mix A Lot, Frazer is a community leader who has tirelessly advocated for Seattle's arts and cultural sector.

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