MLI 2005 participants

MLI is the primary executive development opportunity of the Getty Leadership Institute. This in-depth residential leadership program is designed both to enhance the leadership of experienced museum executives and strengthen their institutions' capabilities. For directors and senior executives who influence policy, effect change and have a minimum of five years of challenging work experience in museums.

Program Dates

Offered annually in July at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, California.

		MLI 2008 will be held from July 13 - August 1, 2008. Applications for 2008 are now closed. MLI 2009 will be held from July 11- 31, 2009. Applications open in September 2008.

Program Approach

MLI brings a consistently strategic perspective to the problems and opportunities facing today's museum leaders. Academically rigorous, the program addresses such pressing issues as crafting strategy, building public understanding, achieving financial stability, leading change, sustaining financial viability, and enhancing personal and organizational effectiveness. MLI does not provide quick fixes or one-size-fits-all answers. Instead, the program focuses on key questions and developing new ways of thinking:

• What are your core values? What are your institutions core values?
• How do others perceive you and perceive your institution?
• How do you influence others?
• How will you measure success for yourself and your institution?
• How will you achieve sustainable success?

	MLI 2004 participants

Faculty members facilitate thoughtful analysis and discussion in a confidential, collegial environment that encourages peers to learn from one another. With other committed professionals, participants examine their museums mission, consider the groups and individuals who have a stake in their enterprise, test their museum's impact and relevance, and begin planning to close gaps and improve performance. Case studies and exercises combine current events, trends, and theory, and are selected to ensure that the lessons learned are practical and immediately applicable. Old problems are seen through new lenses and fresh perspectives. Participants develop strategic initiatives and plan meaningful solutions for implementation at their home institutions using new found insights.

		Sample list of past MLI Faculty (3pp., 76KB)

Learning Environment

	MLI 2006 participants

Learning at MLI is intensive and collaborative, a three-way partnership: you, your museum and the Getty Leadership Institute. Before you arrive for three highly involving weeks in July, your studies will begin with pre-program assignments that include several discussions with others in your institution. Most notably, you will conduct a thorough self-analysis and institutional diagnosis aimed at helping you understand your personal leadership style and the organization's broader context.

In July, the program is a completely immersive experience. MLI's effectiveness comes from the commitment you and fellow participants devote to learning collaboratively from morning to evening. Held at the Getty Center, the meeting spaces, galleries and gardens provide an ideal setting for thinking, exploration and transformation. You will be housed in comfortable apartments nearby for communal dining, group study and private reflection.

		MLI Sample Schedule of Commitments (4pp., 79KB)

Fee

The tuition fee for MLI is $5,500. All participants are provided with an apartment (some single, some two-bedroom; most bedrooms have private baths), most meals for the duration of the program, transportation to program activities, and all course materials. Travel to Los Angeles and incidental expenses are not included. Because some individuals and institutions may not be able to bear the entire tuition fee, GLI will consider need-based requests for reduced tuition fees for eligible museum professionals, up to the full tuition amount. In extraordinary circumstances a limited number of grants toward travel expenses may be available.

Eligibility and Selection

The program is open to highly committed museum directors and senior executives who influence policy and effect change, and typically have a minimum of five years of challenging work experience in museums. Admission is competitive.

		MLI Eligibility Guidelines (1pp., 58KB)

How to Apply

Applications for MLI 2008 are now closed. Please check back in September 2008 for MLI 2009.

To view samples of the 2008 Application Pack for reference only, please click on the links below.

		MLI 2008 Application Guidelines (4pp., 67KB) For reference only, applications closed.
		MLI 2008 Application Form (5pp., 262KB) For reference only, applications closed.
		MLI 2008 Recommendation Form (1pp., 467KB) For reference only, applications closed.

Past Attendees

Since its inception in 1979, MLI has served close to 1,000 museum professionals from the United States and 30 countries worldwide.

		List of past MLI alumni (12pp., 172KB)

Testimonials

		Watch videos of alumni talking about their experience at MLI.
		Visit Pierre Arpin's blog, My Getty Experience about his participation in MLI 2007.
		Read what past participants have to say in a 2007 New York Times article.