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 … Continue reading The Wright’s Neil Barclay Featured on Arts Engine

May 15, 2022—I applaud the actions of the Black members of more than sixty orchestras, who recently launched a “Day of Solidarity” in support of the Black Orchestral Network (BON), which is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for Black musicians in the orchestral field. BON was founded by seven Black orchestral members—Jennifer Arnold, Alexander Laing, David A. Norville, Joy Payton-Stevens, Shea Scruggs, … Continue reading Black Orchestral Musicians Call for Equity & Inclusion

May 8, 2022—As I am sure you are aware, there recently has been a nationwide flood of unjust and dehumanizing legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community, especially youth. I am proud that the LGBT Employee Resource Group at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center decided to utilize the NJPAC Standing in Solidarity platform to curate a program giving voice to youth who identify as either bisexual, … Continue reading In Solidarity with LGTBQ+ Youth

 Image credit: Used with permission   May 1, 2022—I am thrilled to introduce the readers of Arts & Culture Connections to the dynamic and passionate Co-Executive Directors of the New York-based viBe Theater Experience—Beryl Ford and Michelan LeMonier. The nonprofit organization, which is 20 years old, facilitates the production of original theater, music and media created and performed by teenaged Black girls, young women, and … Continue reading The viBe Theater Empowers Black Girls through the Arts

April 24, 2022—I recently had the delightful opportunity to be interviewed by Gennean Scott, the Broadway League’s Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, for the podcast, The Black Business of Broadway. The Black Business of Broadway is a bi-monthly, audio program developed to highlight the stories; “how to” steps, as well as the successes of the Black administrators, producers, directors, managers, creatives, and legends of … Continue reading A Resource for Black Broadway Successors

April 17, 2022—The Creating Change Network recently held its in-person 2022 Conference to discuss and define what accountability and action mean to the process of building, cultivating and supporting the development of a more equitable, just and anti-racist arts community in New Jersey. As readers of Arts & Culture Connections may recall, the Creating Change Network held its inaugural conference last year. The program was … Continue reading Creating Change 2022: Accountability and Action

  April 10, 2022—When nonprofit expert Vu Le (pronounced “voo lay”) gave a keynote address at the Creating Change Conference last year, the title of his talk was “A Time for Boldness; Unlocking our Sector’s Power to Advance a Just and Equitable World.” This was my introduction to Vu, and I was both moved and impressed with the brilliant assessment he offered about the frontline … Continue reading Vu Le: Giving Ourselves Grace Amidst Ongoing Uncertainty

Photo Credit: Andrea Wenglowskyj April 3, 2022—I first met Rhianna Rogers, Ph.D., a few months ago while preparing for a project. I was immediately impressed with the insights she shared and her leadership skills. When RAND launched its Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy (CAREP) in 2020, I was delighted to learn that Rhianna was chosen as its director. Rhianna has a remarkable background: She … Continue reading Director of RAND Center to Advance Racial Equity Policy Shares Vision

March 27, 2022—I am honored and proud to introduce the readers of Arts & Culture Connections to Endalyn Taylor, the recently appointed Dean of the School of Dance at University of North Carolina School of the Arts. An award-winning educator, Endalyn is now among the highest-ranking women of color in the academic world of dance. I believe this is a historic opportunity for these students … Continue reading Endalyn Taylor is Dean at UNC School of Dance

March 20, 2022—One of our greatest challenges as arts administrators is to keep our eyes on the present while also preparing for the future. This requires that we invest in the training of up-and-coming arts leaders—the Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operations Officers, Executive Directors, Executive Producers, Artistic Directors, Marketing Directors, Stage Managers, as well as artists. An essential part of that training will be to … Continue reading A Tool for Arts Administrators Building a Culture of EDI&A