The North Texas Business Council for the Arts (BCA) is accepting applications now for the Leadership Arts Institute, a program that trains business professionals for leadership positions in local arts organizations.

In 10 monthly seminars from September 2016 to May 2017, participants will learn about arts advocacy, the responsibilities of serving on an arts organization board of directors, fundraising and more. At the end of the seminar, BCA will connect interested participants to arts organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, to volunteer or serve on a board.

“We want business professionals who are looking to give back to the arts community,” says Jillian Clough, BCA director of programs. She says participants come from a wide range of ages and industries, from lawyers to architects and non-profit professionals.

The seminar teachers will include non-profit workers, consultants, and current members of arts organization boards of directors. In addition, representatives from local arts groups will visit each class to pitch their organizations, so participants can get an idea of where they would like to serve after graduating.

“One of the greatest end results of the program,” says Clough, “is that we match graduates with non-profit organizations. If in the end you’re passionate about, say, theater, we facilitate a matching process and connect you to local organizations.”

There are two classes: one section of 50 participants in Dallas County, and a smaller group that started last year in Collin/Denton Counties. The classes take place from 8 a.m. to noon on the second Tuesday (Dallas) and the third Thursday (Collin/Denton) of every month. Tuition is $1,725 for non-members ($1,325 for BCA members). Apply before July 31 at ntbca.org.