Investing in our staff and students through training and hands-on learning
This year, we’re offering more opportunities than ever for professional development and hands-on learning, thanks to generous support from the Shine Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and 32n MiLEAP Out-Of-School-Time!
Our team is our greatest asset, and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to build capacity, strengthen skills, and empower them to lead, at CultureWorks and beyond. Here’s a brief recap of the professional development opportunities we’ve taken part in 2026:
Managing in the Midst of Change
Nonprofit arts organizations are facing new challenges due to decreases and delays in funding, as well as new restrictions and obligations from the federal government. In light of these challenges, our executive team has participated in webinars and trainings through Arts Midwest, Cultural Advocacy Network, Michigan Nonprofit Association, Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance, Michigan Afterschool Partnership, the Council of Michigan Foundations, and the Christian Community Development Association. These opportunities have helped CultureWorks navigate the changing landscape with confidence and agility.
Along with these opportunities, Emily has been meeting monthly for professional coaching with Jill Stoltzfus of Inspiring Impact. Emily had been working one-on-one with Jill for a year through LEAD 24/7, so this coaching builds on the strong foundation they’ve already built, and directly impacts short- and long-term organizational capacity. Jill brings a high level of nonprofit leadership experience, organizational development expertise, and thoughtful counsel, which helps us navigate changes with clarity and purpose. We’re so grateful to the Shine Foundation for funding this impactful opportunity for growth and discernment!
Safety First
At CultureWorks, we make every effort to follow Michigan Department of Education’s MOST Standards of Quality, which include rigorous guidelines for the safety and care of our students. This year, our core programming staff were all certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. Our staff and Student Advisory Council also participated in a Mental Health 101 & QPR suicide prevention training, led by Arbor Circle. This training better equips us to care for students’ mental and social health, and empowers our student leaders to care for their family and friends in the community as well. These trainings were funded in part by 32n MiLEAP Out-Of-School-Time.
Leadership in Arts Education
Our staff had the incredible opportunity to grow as arts educators this year! Miranda and Emily attended the National Convention for the National Art Education Association in Chicago, IL. Over 3 full days, they attended over 20 workshops, lectures, and keynote addresses, covering topics including: community building through collaborative art projects, current research in art education, classroom management, pedagogy and critical frameworks, civic art engagement, and teaching practices. It was a joy to gather with over 5000 artists and educators, and to learn directly from award-winning artists including Jeffrey Gibson, Faheem Majeed, William Estrada, Tonika Lewis Johnson, Bisa Butler, and Liz Flores. They connected with potential visiting artists and have made plans to integrate projects and practices in our own programs. This opportunity was funded by CFHZ’s Technical Assistance Fund as well as Michigan Arts and Culture Council’s Professional Development Grant.
A few weeks later, Jaer Medina, Blake Matthews, and Evan Nickel attended Break it Down Make it Better, a 2-day conference in Grand Rapids. This is West Michigan’s longest-running professional development conference for artists, creatives, and arts administrators, and it was the first time our staff participated. They came away with renewed energy, insights, and inspiration as artists and educators, and made meaningful connections with local and regional artists as well.
We’re dedicating time at our staff meetings on a bi-weekly basis to dive deeper into these experiences, sharing and discussing what we’ve learned and ways we can improve our educational programs.
Many thanks to all those who made these opportunities possible, including:
Shine Foundation
Michigan Arts and Culture Council
National Endowment for the Arts
Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland
Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential 32n OST
