# data[].attributes.body
Share your experience before ACOM and until you received the invitation.

# data[].attributes.body
Just stepped into leadership at C1. Not an Executive Director yet. But existed in the field for a while as a Production Manager. Worked at multiple other institutions leading upto this period.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
What happened following your time at ACOM? What were the highs and lows? Successes and areas of growth?

# data[].attributes.body
Invited by Summer L. Williams, C1 founder and associate artistic director who got the invite through Dayron & Julia.

# data[].attributes.body
You've made it to ACOM! What was that experience like for you? What were the highs and lows?

# data[].attributes.body
I think the core conflict was the framework in which the program was founded. The primary takeaway of the program was "Participants will emerge with a cohort of fellow BIPOC-identifying arts leaders, as well as resources to create and implement strategies for more responsive and successful
cultural institutions."

Wherein I think we definitely felt like we were in cohort with fellow arts leaders, I am not certain I gained any resources to implement any strategies at my institution. Specifically because majority of the case studies and discussions were centered around large white institutions that have created the ecology we exist in the first place.

I also struggled with the power dynamics of the faculty and the participants. It didn't often feel like we were navigating a co-learning space with each other as much as we were having to defend our view points with a faculty who didn't have the same lived experience as us.

# data[].attributes.body
Seeing that many working artists and arts admin of color from Boston in one place was very much the highlight. Post ACOM there still aren't many spaces where you meet people quite the same way.

# data[].attributes.body
What is the future of ACOM? What would you like to see for future cohorts?

It would be interesting if ACOM could invest in local leaders of  help develop case studies from within their institutions to provide shared content for discussion.

I also think there needs to be far more clarity on who it's intended for. Is this meant for EDS? Mid level managers? Entry level? What is the budget level of the org they represent? Is this geared for individuals working/leadings orgs of color or is it meant for BIPOC individuals working within white institutions?

Gathering any group of BIPOC individuals to do the kind of work ACOM is interested in doing, will trigger trauma or potentially bring up moments of harm. Faculty and leaders faciltating the space needs to either have framework or external support to help navigate these moments with care.