Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership

male teacher talks to students in an auditorium

Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership, the graduate studies program of the Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, offers three robust degree programs that prepare future managers, leaders and innovators for long-term careers in arts organizations, creative endeavors and the creative economy. Through each of these programs, students will gain fundamental skills in the management of arts organizations, entrepreneurship, and more to grow unique, sustainable creative endeavors of value.

Featured Courses

AMAE 6201

Foundations of Arts and Nonprofit Leadership

Work in teams on a hands-on consulting project for a nonprofit or for-profit creative venture. Learn business structures while helping entrepreneurs determine the best model for launching new initiatives.

IAM 6375

Cultural Entrepreneurship and Governance for Nonprofit in the Arts

The Dallas arts community becomes your classroom. Visit 15+ arts and cultural institutions, meet executive leaders, and develop your own entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial approach based on real-world insights.

ANPL 6310

Data Analytics and Advocacy for Arts and Nonprofits

Use data to develop an advocacy one-pager addressing a real-world issue. Students analyze datasets, reflect on AI’s impact in the field, and present actionable insights supported by organized analytical materials.

IAM 6354

Fundraising in the Arts

Fundraise on behalf of a real arts organization while expanding your professional network. Student projects have raised more than $20,000 in cash and in-kind donations for Dallas arts organizations.

Figure 1: Hart will receive the George Ellis Award for Excellence in Innovation at the SVP Dallas Spring Impact Awards on May 2.

Innovating Impact: Jim Hart Honored with George Ellis Award for Excellence in Innovation

CCPA professor Jim Hart is recognized by Social Venture Partners Dallas for his forward-thinking leadership that bridges the arts, entrepreneurship, and social impact to drive meaningful change.

April 09, 2026
Figure 2: M.A./MBA students Lucy Blaylock, Seth Braley, Myka Field and Shayla Le worked with the F.R.A.M.E. Foundation for the six-week project.

SMU M.A./MBA Students Help Launch New Nonprofit in Hands-On Consulting Project

Students Through teamwork, creativity, and strategy, students in the dual degree M.A./MBA program help an emerging arts nonprofit in Dallas find its footing and its voice.

November 11, 2025
Figure 3: Arts Management & Arts Entrepreneurship alum Greg Oertel transforms generosity and great ideas into real impact at Communities Foundation of Texas.

Alumni Spotlight: Greg Oertel

Alumni Arts Management & Arts Entrepreneurship alum Greg Oertel (M.A./MBA '15) leads with both creativity and strategy shaping philanthropic initiatives across Texas.

November 10, 2025
Figure 4: As Fund Manager and Strategic Advisor, Trey Bowles will bring a practical investor’s perspective to the SMU Impact Lab’s mission.

Entrepreneur and Investor Trey Bowles Partners with SMU Impact Lab as Fund Manager and Advisor

Faculty Bowles will bring entrepreneurial expertise and investment insight to advance the Lab’s mission of purpose-driven innovation, helping build ventures that create lasting social impact.

October 22, 2025

Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership

Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership

Faculty

Sandy Duhé

Doric Earle

Daniel Fonner

James Hart

James Ryan Jillson

Gordon Law

Anne Lenhart

Maureen A. Mixtacki, CPA, CGMA

Andrea Perez

John Tenny

Natalie Voigts

P. Gregory Warden

MA/MBA Students Collaborate with Local Volunteer Organization in Hands-On Research Project

Featured Courses

Student Work

Student Work

Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership News

Innovating Impact: Jim Hart Honored with George Ellis Award for Excellence in Innovation

SMU M.A./MBA Students Help Launch New Nonprofit in Hands-On Consulting Project

Alumni Spotlight: Greg Oertel

Entrepreneur and Investor Trey Bowles Partners with SMU Impact Lab as Fund Manager and Advisor

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AMAE 6201 Foundations of Arts and Nonprofit Leadership	Work in teams on a hands-on consulting project for a nonprofit or for-profit creative venture. Learn business structures while helping entrepreneurs determine the best model for launching new initiatives.
IAM 6375 Cultural Entrepreneurship and Governance for Nonprofit in the Arts	The Dallas arts community becomes your classroom. Visit 15+ arts and cultural institutions, meet executive leaders, and develop your own entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial approach based on real-world insights.
ANPL 6310 Data Analytics and Advocacy for Arts and Nonprofits	Use data to develop an advocacy one-pager addressing a real-world issue. Students analyze datasets, reflect on AI’s impact in the field, and present actionable insights supported by organized analytical materials.
IAM 6354 Fundraising in the Arts	Fundraise on behalf of a real arts organization while expanding your professional network. Student projects have raised more than $20,000 in cash and in-kind donations for Dallas arts organizations.