April 16, 2023—I am always inspired when young arts leaders take center stage and share information and wisdom that benefits all of us. That’s why I’m encouraging the readers of Arts & Culture Connections to check out the recent videocast interview conducted by Aaron Dworkin, the creator and host of Arts Engines, with Omari Rush, Board Chair of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.

Mr. Rush works as the Executive Director of CultureSource, a member association for non-profit arts and cultural organizations in Southeast Michigan. He also is a board member of Arts Midwest, and the former, two-term chair of the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

During the interview with Aaron, Mr. Rush made some important points about what it takes to have an engaged board of directors. These are the points I noted: establishing a commitment based on clear ideas and beliefs; diverse representation that includes differing beliefs and views that are generative of dialogue; the ability to honor differences, and making time during the board meetings to engage in hard conversations. I urge you to check out the interview at this link.

Arts Engines was launched by Aaron in 2020 to share insights and invaluable advice from arts administrators about creative problem-solving, policy, economic issues, crisis management, and to empower future arts leaders. Aaron, who is a multi-talented artist, author, and MacArthur Fellow, currently teaches Arts Leadership and Entrepreneurship at U of M’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

Conducted in partnership with Detroit Public Television, Ovation TV, The Violin Channel and American Public Media, you can find all Arts Engines’ videocasts on its YouTube channel at this link. I had the honor of being interviewed last year, which you can find at this link.

As always, I want to know what you think. I invite you to share your thoughts and comments below.