The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and this is the second part of my interview with two of the pioneer performing arts curators, producers, administrators who were instrumental in the development of its programming. I have had the pleasure of knowing both Stephanie Hughley and Baraka Sele for many years. The rich history they shared about their efforts to … Continue reading Part II: Twenty-years of Success at NJPAC: Celebrating the pioneers who helped make it happen

As the New Jersey Performing Arts Center(NJPAC) prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, I thought it appropriate to interview two of the pioneer performing arts curators, producers, administrators who were instrumental in the development of its programming. I have had the pleasure of knowing both Stephanie Hughley and Baraka Sele for many years. However, I was astounded by the rich history they shared about their … Continue reading Twenty-years of Success at NJPAC: Celebrating the pioneers who helped make it happen

In May, I wrote about my historic trip to Havana as part of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce’s People-to-People Tour of Cuba. In August, GHCC hosted the 2017 Harlem/Havana Music and Cultural Festival as part of the 43rd annual HARLEM WEEK. The event featured international visual and performing artists, as well as fashion, education and culinary exchanges. Cesar Lopez and Habana Ensemble kicked off the jam-packed week with … Continue reading Harlem/Havana Festival: Benefiting the Community through Business, Art and Partnerships

During the past few weeks, I have been examining how arts and cultural organizations are responding to social injustice and today’s political climate, and how they are utilizing their platforms to #RESIST. In an interview published last month in the Washington Post, Robert Battle, the artistic director of The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, was asked how artists should respond in the age of political … Continue reading Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Responds to the Age of Tumult

One of the things I love about my blog is the opportunity to highlight artists and arts administrators who are “storms”—they are fearless,hard workers; they are engaging their audiences; they are building bridges with diverse communities, and they are moving the needle with their creativity. My intention also is to use this platform to explore diversity in the arts so that the cultural mosaic of … Continue reading On the Frontlines of Fighting for Diversity and Inclusion: An Interview with Nai-Ni Chen

This past week, prominent representatives of our national arts community stood up against injustice, drawing the line in the sand over President Trump’s remarks about white supremacists, neo-Nazis and protesters in Charlottesville,VA. I was deeply moved by their determination, statements, passion and decisions to act. Like too many people in prominent positions, they could’ve chosen the safety of silence. Instead, artists like 86 year-old dancer, … Continue reading Standing up against Injustice amidst the Storm

Sandra Jackson-Dumont is the Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Chairman of Education at the Metropolitan Museum of Art—the largest museum in the western hemisphere.  Jackson-Dumont is responsible for the vision and management of education, public programs, the live arts/performance, audience development and academic programs. Her work encompasses a wide range of experiences designed for a diverse cross-section of audiences.   She was formerly the Deputy Director for Education + … Continue reading On the Frontlines of Fighting for Diversity and Inclusion: An Interview with Sandra Jackson-Dumont

   Across the United States, after-school and in-school arts education programs continue to fulfill a vital need for our nation’s youth—from self-discovery and learning new forms of expression to fostering self-confidence and providing them with a safe haven to grow. The NAHYP Awards are given annually to organizations renowned for their efforts to develop high-quality arts and humanities programs for youth. This year’s finalists have … Continue reading National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards: Celebrating 20 Years of the Nation’s Best After-School and In-School Arts Programs

This blog is dedicated to the artists and arts administrators of the Millennial Generation. And it is a call to action. You are standing at the juncture of a new era of civilization or a new era of civil dissolution. Now, more than ever, your passion, enthusiasm, and directed efforts are needed to ensure that arts and culture remain an accessible source of renewal and … Continue reading Millennials: Use Your Talents to Protect the Arts

This coming week, a new cultural diversity network will be forged on New York’s Staten Island. Spearheaded by Staten Island Arts’ Executive Director Elizabeth Bennett, close to 40 arts representatives will join forces to launch the Expanding Audiences and Cultural Participation Initiative. The goals of this initiative include training to: enable cultural organizations (from emerging to established) to better market their work; build strong relationships … Continue reading A New Cultural Diversity Network Emerges on Staten Island