Dylan Ladd of Illinois Conservatory for the Arts

Mission Matters

Dylan Ladd is a school leader, music educator and the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts. With experience in teaching grades 6-12 and leading an arts magnet program in an urban school district, he has developed skills in educational leadership and arts curriculum and instruction.

Dylan is currently pioneering a new independent arts school for grades 6-12 in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, leading an incredible team of visionary educators and artists to create innovative arts education that brings the arts and academics to the same level of rigor.

In this episode…

Have you ever imagined a world where the arts and academia coexist and thrive together? In Chicago's western suburbs, a new independent art school for grades six through twelve is being established, aiming to elevate arts and academics to the same level of rigor. Leading this transformative venture is a visionary team of educators, leaders, and artists dedicated to redefining arts education and creating a nurturing environment for young artists.

Dylan Ladd, the Co-founder of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts, envisioned a mission to intertwine academics and the arts, providing students with a holistic education that values both equally. This innovative approach is designed to resonate with students who are passionate about the arts but uncertain about how to pursue their interests. Recognizing this gap, the school aims to provide robust guidance and skill development for students, whether they aspire to become artists or simply want to support the arts in some capacity. The belief is that while society values the arts, there is a lack of understanding about cultivating and supporting young talent effectively.

In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith welcomes Dylan Ladd, the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts, to discuss his journey as an educator and leader in the arts community. Dylan shares his experiences as a mission-driven leader, the roadblocks faced by a new nonprofit in fundraising, and insights into his creative process for maintaining effective operations despite the challenges of leading a startup.