Arts Extension Service (AES) is the nation’s leading provider of continuing professional education in arts management, as well as a pioneer and a leader in distance education in arts management training.

“This year AES offers a series of workshops designed to make arts managers think about new ways of doing business,” AES Education Coordinator Shirley Sneve said. “From negotiation skills to capacity building for programs and audiences, classes will compliment our traditional Fundamentals track of essential arts management skills.

The Fundamentals track features perennially popular introductory workshops in arts management, including strategic planning, fund raising, board development, arts programming and marketing.

A new track, “Beyond the Basics” introduces a set of new Fundamentals skills including arts education, community organizing, cultural access, budgeting and evaluation.

“Advance Audiences for the Arts” addresses issues facing experienced arts managers, including diversity in the workplace and audiences, fund raising in tough times, marketing, program accessibility, and marketing skills.

“The Power of the Arts” looks at arts as community tools, including creative expression as healing arts, negotiating skills, cultural tourism, and public policy.

In addition, several artists are participating in this year’s conference.

Enchanted Circle Theater is widely recognized as one of the finest educational theater companies in New England. Its productions are cross-cultural and multidisciplinary, integrating music, dance, theater, literature and the visual arts.

Etsuko Kamoshita from Tokyo, Japan, will demonstrate traditional Japanese folk toys and talk about her work in preserving these ancient traditions, and Jazz Musician Daniel Klimoski will perform.

The Institute is part of the AES Learning Network, which includes a series of online distance learning courses that lead to a Certificate in Arts Management from the University of Massachusetts Division of Continuing Education.

Conference registration is $350 and low cost dormitory rooms are available at Smith College.

Complete program details are available at the website, or by E-mail.

Part of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Division of Continuing Education, Arts Extension Service develops the arts in communities and community through the arts with continuing professional education for arts managers, artists, and civic leaders.