December 27, 2020—Throughout 2020, I have been keenly aware of the significant efforts by several Champions of the Arts to fight for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDI&A) despite the three pandemics our entire nation has been experiencing (COVID-19, racial injustice, and political divide). As we close out the year, I have chosen to highlight for the readers of Arts &Culture Connections three organizations and … Continue reading My 2020 List of Champions of the Arts

The 48th annual Vivian Robinson/AUDELCO Recognition Awards were presented on November 30. 2020, during a stellar virtual ceremony. Known as “The Vivs,” the awards are the only formally established acknowledgment of excellence for the Black theater community. The awards recognize playwrights, actors, directors, composers, designers and Black theater companies in Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway productions. Often compared with the Tony Awards®, the emotional and celebratory … Continue reading AUDELCO Reminds Us #BlackTheaterMatters

December 6, 2020—One of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday season during the month of December has been to take my daughter to see several performances of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater as it kicks-off its annual season at the New York City Center. However, like all arts organizations, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting … Continue reading “Revelations” Turns 60!

November 29, 2020—I recently was invited to moderate a discussion with thought leaders representing the nonprofit arts sector and the Broadway industry about the future of the arts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Convened by the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, the theme of the Virtual Action Summit was “Arts, Culture and Beyond: What’s Next?”. It was interesting to hear the participants share … Continue reading Virtual Action Summit Looks at “What’s Next?”

November 15, 2020:  Capacity Interactive recently held its Boot Camp 2020 to examine the most pressing issues facing the arts today. This year, due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two-day event was virtual, bringing together arts leaders to explore a broad array of issues, including rethinking how to connect to audiences; digital platform programming; equity and inclusion, leadership and wellness. One … Continue reading Insights for Leading During Chaotic Times

November 8, 2020—This week, I am delighted to share a presentation by Tobie Stein, Ph.D., who recently spoke at one of my workshops. Her presentation, which was titled “Moral Leadership and EDIA in the Performing Arts,” was insightful, instructive, and powerful. I sought Tobie’s permission to share excerpts from it with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections so that you also can engage in … Continue reading Moral Leadership and EDIA in the Performing Arts

November 1, 2020—Two days ago, my mom, Theresia Walker, transcended this lifetime, a couple of months shy of her 97th birthday. I knew my mom was leaving; I felt her saying goodbye as I recited my morning prayers. I firmly believe she was welcomed by our ancestors with such loving arms, and she is now sailing along the path to her next mission. While I … Continue reading In Tribute to Mom’s Passion for Life

October 25, 2020 — I am pleased to share with the readers of Arts & Cultural Connections the results of our three-year journey with Staten Island Arts (SIA) and its Expanding Audiences and Cultural Participation Initiative. You’ll find the details in an article published in a recent issue of GIA Reader, a publication of Grantsmakers in the Arts (GIA), which was written by SIA Executive … Continue reading Investment in EDI& Program Is Paying Off on Staten Island

October 18, 2020: I was delighted to join my colleague, Erik Gensler, founder of Capacity Interactive, and two other thought leaders for a recent podcast episode to discuss the state of the arts in 2020 in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and the issues of systemic racism and social injustice further highlighted by the murder of George Floyd. Erik put together this discussion for “CI … Continue reading The State of the Arts: 2020

October 11, 2020—Scores of arts and cultural institutions this year have been reaffirming their commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDI&A) initiatives, and I have been documenting the planning, strategies and action steps being proposed. One of the major constraints consistently mentioned is the lack of financial resources to fund their proposed efforts. However, some institutions are taking bold steps; they are looking internally … Continue reading Looking Within to Fund EDI&A Initiatives