CAPSTONE PROJECTS
Everything you need to know...
WHAT IS A CAPSTONE PROJECT?
A critical success measure for the Foundations of Arts Leadership Program is that learnings are applied to real, relevant, and timely challenges and opportunities. The Capstone Projects provide a meaningful way for participants to practically apply program content, assess knowledge gained, and utilize critical thinking and effective communication to drive a project forward. Your Capstone Project offers a tangible outcome for you and/or your organization.
Each Foundations participant will identify an opportunity for change or growth within their organization, or for independent artists within their career, and use their learnings from the Foundations and Intersections sessions to develop a plan to address this opportunity.
On the last day of the program, the cohort will gather for an in-person shareback and celebration. This event will include your peers and members of the Foundations faculty along with Haskayne School of Business and Rozsa Foundation staff. Each shareback typically averages 6 minutes in length. While participants are welcome to use presentation aids such as PowerPoint the shareback is meant to demonstrate what learned skills and understandings from the program you are carrying forward into your Capstone project.
Broad examples of past projects include plans around audience development and retention, strategic plans, inclusive and equitable programming, and partnership opportunities.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CAPSTONE PROJECT?
Capstones are designed to provide an opportunity for you to practically apply program content and assess knowledge gained. While your project will be unique to you and you will not necessarily directly apply all program concepts, frameworks, and theories, a strong Capstone project will draw from various sessions and integrate content learned throughout the program.
The purpose of the Capstone Project is to:
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actively apply program content (concepts, frameworks, theories),
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drive action through critical thinking, research, and effective communication,
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produce a tangible outcome for your organization or artistic practice, and
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assess the knowledge you have gained throughout the entire learning experience
DECIDING ON A CAPSTONE PROJECT
It is expected that you will arrive to your first Capstone Coaching session in October with some idea around the challenge or opportunity you are looking to explore. Your Coaching sessions will provide guidance on how to refine your project and complete the Charter. Your final Capstone project should be confirmed in February, though it is understood that the project is fluid and may change somewhat even after the final sharing in April.
WHAT ARE CAPSTONE LEARNING GROUPS?
Capstone learning groups are assigned based on a participant’s project focus. There are typically 6 groups of 4 participants each.
Participants will meet with their group, as well as the Capstone Program Advisor, in coaching sessions throughout the program. Participants will discuss their personal or organizational opportunity with their group and share insights and possible solutions based on their experience. The intention is that the learning group becomes a support network for your Capstone Project.
WHAT DOES THE FINAL SHAREBACK LOOK LIKE?
On the last day of the program, the cohort will gather for an in-person shareback and celebration. This event will include your peers and members of the Foundations faculty, along with Haskayne School of Business and Rozsa Foundation staff. Each shareback typically averages 6 minutes in length. While participants are welcome to use presentation aids such as PowerPoint, the shareback is meant to demonstrate what learned skills and understandings from the program you are carrying forward into your Capstone Project.
Participants will receive written feedback from their learning group, as well as the Program Advisor and Director of Training within two weeks of the shareback.
Questions? Reach out to Director of Training, Samantha MacDonald, at samantha@rozsafoundation.com