The San Francisco Conservatory of Music announced today, Nov. 12, that it is launching a forward-thinking program to foster innovative new leaders and administrators in the arts world, with Aubrey Bergauer in the role of “Founding Executive Director and SFCM Vice President of Strategic Communications,” a position specifically crafted for her. The new SFCM Center for Innovative Leadership will welcome its first enrollees at the new Ute and William K. Bowes, Jr. Center for Performing Arts — now under construction — in January 2021.
According to President David H. Stull: “SFCM is built on an expansive and inclusive vision for the future. To make that vision a reality, the industry needs committed and energetic arts leaders with the tools to lead their institutions toward artistic and fiscal growth. The Center for Innovative Leadership will contribute major resources and top-tier faculty and mentors to enhance the talent pipeline for arts administration.”
In a press release, the SFCM stated that “arts administrators, ranging from entry-level professionals to C-suite executives and board chairs, will be welcomed to SFCM’s learning lab to expand their sense of opportunity and capacity for action.”
Bergauer is known as the data-driven executive director of the California Symphony who doubled its audience, nearly quadrupled its donor base, and increased its operating budget by 50 percent, all while balancing budgets and eliminating a portion of past accumulated debt, according to San José’s Mercury News.
“Aubrey is emblematic of everything we’re trying to achieve here,” said Stull. “From running regional orchestras to advising powerhouses like LA Opera and NPR, her ability to deftly move from big-picture ideation to decisive action has captured the attention of the industry. Our profession needs more leaders like her: activators who are able to conceive bold ideas and inspire stakeholders to bring those ideas to fruition. Under her direction, SFCM hopes to foster a new breed of change-makers who will drive our industry forward.”
Look for a feature article about this exciting new development in the coming weeks here at SFCV.
