The Council sponsors an annual summer institute for arts professionals from throughout the state. This three-day conference aims to be a retreat for arts professionals, providing presentations on current topics and tools for better arts administration.

Held each August at Camp McDowell, the Institute is named in honor of Bill Bates, the former deputy director of the Council on the Arts. Bill loved being out in nature and treasured the time spent there with the Institute and its participants. With this program, the Council honors Bill and his contributions to arts in Alabama.

Click here to check out the agenda from the 2023 Bill Bates Leadership Institute.