Mindshare

Who We Are

Mindshare is not just a leadership development program; it is a leadership community. We are a collective of over 75 South Bay arts leaders who took the step to put values-based development and community front and center.  Leaders in the arts need dedicated time to reflect and recharge with their peers in the field.  

What We Do

Mindshare is consciously cultivating a community of arts leaders in Silicon Valley. Mindshare is a program of SVCREATES, advancing SVCREATES’ mission of elevating our local creative community. The Mindshare program is made possible by SVCREATES’ partnerships with Applied Materials Foundations, the San José Office of Cultural Affairs, the California Arts Council, and the County of Santa Clara.  With financial support from these partners, Mindshare is offered to participants tuition-free.

The yearlong cohort is the beginning of a journey. Five meetings. Five opportunities to connect with other arts leaders. Each cohort has guest speakers and conversations that offer outside experience and practical tools to support your leadership development. But this is only the beginning. After your Cohort year, you will be connected to the entire network of Mindshare Alumni through Mindshare Reunions.

Is this program right for you?

What We Believe

Empowering arts leaders isn't just about individual growth; it's about building a vibrant, supportive, and enduring community centered in the understanding that there is always something to be learned from oneself and others and that growth only happens through conscious cultivation.

What We Value

• Real Connection: We prioritize open, non-judgmental communication and authentic, deep sharing. True growth and connection only flourish when we can bring our whole selves to the conversation.
• Mutual Support: We are deeply invested in the health and vitality of our arts ecosystem. This commitment is deeper than support for arts organizations; it’s about the people behind them. We show up. We support each other. By doing so, we strengthen the entire arts community and, consequently, we all become more resilient. 
• Intentional Engagement: There is always a reason to not be present. We recognize the demands of arts leadership. But we choose to bring our best selves to every session. This means showing up ready to engage, listen, and contribute. These moments of focused connection are the most important investments in our leadership journey and the community we're building.
• Enduring Relationships: Mindshare is a network of support, collaboration, and shared purpose. The connections we make within Mindshare are not transactional. We strive to make sure they endure far beyond the program year. 

What’s Next

Are you ready to join the community?

As an investment by SVCREATES into the arts leaders in Santa Clara County, Mindshare is a free program. 

Applications for the 2025-2026 Cohort are now open. Application Deadline: August 8.

The meeting dates will be:

• Thursday, September 11 from 11:30am - 1:00pm
• Thursday, November 13 from 11:30am - 1:00pm
• Thursday, January 15 from 11:30am - 1:00pm
• Thursday, March 12 from 11:30am - 1:00pm
• Thursday, May 13 from 11:30am - 1:00pm

Lunch is provided at all sessions. All meetings are in person.

Click here to apply. As a part of the application process, someone may contact you for more information or to sit down and chat.

Contact Sinjin Jones, SVCREATES Director of Programs, with any questions: sinjin@svcreates.org

Why It’s Important

As established creative sector leaders retire and the arts nonprofit model is challenged by the forces of digital culture, demographic shifts, and the changing nature of “creative consumption,” it is vital to leverage local talent, prepare the sector for the next generation of audiences, navigate new economic realities, and bridge the past with the future. The critical role the arts play in our local communities has never been more evident, and an activated network of leaders with a common language will provide voice and visibility to the sector.

SVMindshare 2024-25 Cohort

SVMindshare 2023-24 Cohort

SVMindshare Alums (2017-2022)