Women's Perspectives in Arts Administration


Transformation in Arts Administration Practice and Scholarship

2025 Symposium


14 February 2025, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY

The Women's Perspectives in Arts Administration Symposium is a space for critical dialogue between practitioners and scholars in the field and as we navigate the changing world of arts administration, management, and leadership. Our theme this year, Transformation in Arts Administration Practice and Scholarship, emphasizes the innovative approaches, emerging leadership practices, and diverse perspectives to address the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing our field.


The 2025 symposium brings together practitioners, scholars, and practitioner-scholars exploring the transformative forces influencing our profession and field. Presentations, panels, and workshops will engage in critical dialogue on how shifts in social, cultural, economic, and environmental contexts are being transformed by new advancements reshaping the practices, policies, and research within arts administration. As we explore these transformations, the 2025 symposium aims to inspire possibilities and foster deeper understanding of the experiences of arts administrators, today and in the future.

Register for Two Conferences in One Location for One Price


The 2025 Women's Perspectives in Arts Administration Symposium is joining with the Society for Arts Leadership Educators (SALE) conference for a unique academic pairing. Hosted by the University of Kentucky's Department of Arts Administration, this partnership provides a platform for scholars and practitioners to participate in two separate yet harmonious events. 


Register now for the WPAA and SALE, taking place February 14-15, 2025.

 


Joint Rate for WPAA & SALE: $249


Student Rate for WPAA & SALE: $199


Single Conference (one-day) Attendance: $149


Join us in February to connect and collaborate!

Staying in Lexington


The conference hotel for both WPAA and SALE is the 21C Museum Hotel Lexington


Conference Hotel Rate is $149 per night.


Early Reservation is encouraged!

Symposium Organizing Committee

Dr. Jaleesa Wells

Director of Certificates in Creative Social Entrepreneurship


University of Kentucky

Dr. Rachel Shane

Professor, Chair

Arts Administration


University of Kentucky

Dr. Heather McDonald

Director of the Music Industry Concentration


College of Charleston

Dr. Bex Ferrell

Assistant Professor Arts Management


College of Charleston

The Women's Perspectives in Arts Administration symposium highlights the work, research, and experiences of women-identifying scholars and practitioners in the arts administration field. While our primary presenters are women-identifying, we warmly welcome people of all genders to attend, participate in sessions, and join in the discussions. The symposium fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where all attendees can engage in meaningful dialogue about the evolving role of women in arts administration. Everyone is encouraged to contribute, learn, and collaborate.

Symposium Sponsor

Symposium Partners