Call for Programs: 2026 Online Learning

To support our online learning program efforts, the GIA team is seeking input from our membership to inform 2026 webinars and member discussions.

While this is not in place of Call for Submissions for the 2026 Conference (which will open in the spring), the format of the conference will introduce a more place-based, collaboratively produced format closely co-designed with local cultural leaders. We anticipate fewer sessions overall and less opportunity for member-led programming; so, GIA is expanding opportunities for members to guide sector-wide learning throughout the year. Submitting a program for online learning will not affect your likelihood of being selected to present at the conference.

By contributing to the 2026 online learning series, members can uplift emerging work, deepen conversations sparked at the conference, and strengthen collective practice across the arts and culture funding ecosystem. Program details and submission guidelines follow below.

All online learning webinars are hosted live on Zoom, are recorded (unless otherwise noted), and many are later made available publicly on GIA’s YouTube channel. Member discussions are hosted live on Zoom and are not recorded.

Overview

GIA’s online learning programs support our membership community by offering timely, relevant, and equity-centered conversations throughout the year. We welcome proposals that uplift emerging ideas, deepen practice, and expand dialogue within the arts and culture funding ecosystem.

Program Types: Webinars and member discussions
Format: Fully virtual; no in-person component
Cost:
- Webinars are free for GIA members; $35 for non-members
- Member discussions are free and open to GIA members exclusively
Timeframe:
- Webinars typically occur on Tuesdays at 11am PT/2pm ET and will take place between February - June 2026
- Discussions: Member discussions typically occur on Thursdays at 12:30pm PT/3:30pm ET throughout the calendar year

Questions? Please reach out to GIA Senior Program Manager, Jaime Sharp, at jaime@giarts.org.

Timeline for Program Submissions

Call for Programs Opens: Tuesday, November 25th
Call for Programs Closes: Friday, December 19th at 5pm ET (late submissions cannot be accepted)
Applicants Notified: February 2026

Program Organizer Responsibilities

If selected, program organizers will work closely with the GIA team to prepare for their online learning program.

The person submitting the program does not need to be a presenter.

Responsibilities for webinars include:

Submitting a program title and description, subject to being edited by the GIA team
Providing speaker contact information (does not need to be confirmed by the organizer)
60-minute planning call with the Senior Program Manager and all program presenters
60-minute technical rehearsal one week prior to the live program with all program presenters
Creating presentation slides or visual reference materials (if applicable)
Developing a run of show (ROS) in partnership with the Senior Program Manager

Responsibilities for member discussions include:

Submitting a program title and description, subject to being edited by the GIA team
30-minute planning call with President & CEO
Developing a run of show (ROS) in coordination with President & CEO (if applicable)
Securing, contracting, and/or coordinating with speakers (who must also be GIA members)
Creating presentation slides or visual reference materials (if applicable)

Program Priorities

As in past program cycles, GIA will continue foregrounding our core funding focus areas. We encourage proposals that:

Are anchored in GIA’s funding focus areas
Explore cultural practices that reflect on the past and build power toward just futures
Offer “101” content for those new to arts philanthropy
Highlight collaborative, creative, or community-centered approaches
Lift up traditional or nontraditional partnerships
Introduce emergent ideas for sustaining arts and culture through a racial justice lens
Support a community of practice working toward shared learning and sector transformation

GIA Discourages Proposals That:

Are lectures or academic paper presentations
Offer no interactive component
Do not include diverse representation (racial, geographic, cultural, discipline, disability, gender, etc.)
Do not follow the guidelines outlined on this page

Program Formats

Programs may run 60, 75, or 90 minutes, depending on format.

Webinar Panel Presentation

60 or 75 minutes
Up to five speakers (including moderator)

Webinar Workshop

75 or 90 minutes
Designed for interactivity, skill-building, or hands-on learning
Up to five speakers (including moderator)

Member Discussion

60 minutes
Member-led conversation exploring shared challenges, opportunities, or practices

Speaker Limit: Up to five total, including moderator.

Program Costs

GIA provides a $200 honorarium to webinar program presenters who are non-members (not eligible for GIA membership), such as artists, academics, representatives from nonprofit organizations, consultants, and others invited to present during the conference. Payment for non-members is received at the conclusion of the program.

GIA members are not compensated for their participation in online learning programs, including member discussions.

How to Propose Online Learning Programs

Review the submission considerations for information about types of programs, program priorities, and other important guidance for a successful program proposal submission.
Log in to your account on the GIA website and select the 2026 Online Learning Proposal Form link on the left. Submit the form no later than Friday, December 19 at 5pm ET. For assistance with user accounts, click the Create new account or Request new password links on the login page or contact the GIA team at gia@giarts.org.
After the program team has selected submissions, we will contact program organizers individually to ask for more details.