May 22, 2022—One of the most dynamic and interesting weekly videocast programs that I enjoy watching is Arts Engine, which is hosted by Aaron Dworkin.
Aaron is a multi-talented artist and MacArthur Fellow who currently teaches Arts Leadership and Entrepreneurship at U of M’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He launched the videocast in 2020 to share insights and invaluable advice from arts administrators about creative problem-solving, policy, economic issues, crisis management, and empowering future leaders.
Arts Engine recently featured an interview with Neil Barclay, President & CEO of The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which is located in Detroit, Michigan. A former attorney, Neil has served in several executive arts leadership positions before joining The Wright in 2019, including at the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans and the Texas Performing Arts Center in Austin.
Neil also was founding president and CEO of Pittsburgh’s August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
During the videocast, Aaron and Neil discuss the importance of philanthropy for all arts organizations; particularly for BIPOC arts and cultural institutions. They also talk about the ongoing need for mentoring the next generation of arts leaders. You can watch the videocast at this link.
I have known Neil for quite some time, and I have admired his skillful navigation as an executive arts leader. I believe our field needs the type of leadership Neil has exhibited over the years. Thank you, Aaron and Neil, for the great dialogue!
I urge the readers of Art & Culture Connections to check out Arts Engine, which is conducted in partnership with Detroit Public Television, Ovation TV, The Violin Channel and American Public Media. You can find the current Arts Engine interviews on its YouTube channel at this link and older interviews on its website.
As always, I want to know what you think. In the comments section below, I invite you to share links to podcasts or videocasts about arts leadership or community engagement that you think would be of benefit.
Neil is so knowledgeable. This was an insightful conversation. I appreciate the analogy of clerkship in the legal field and residency in the medical field. There are far too few opportunities for mentorship in our sector for emerging arts leaders. Let’s dig a bit deeper on this subject.