February 5, 2023—A recent headline in the New York Times caught my attention and really ticked me off. The guest essay was titled “What if Diversity Training is Doing More Harm than Good?” It was written by a man who described himself as “an investigative journalist (who) exposes the many holes in today’s bestselling behavioral science, and argues that the trendy, TED-Talk-friendly psychological interventions … Continue reading The Latest Culture War Target: EDI&A

January 29, 2023—I recently learned about the unique dialects and regional differences within American Sign Language (ASL), and that theatrical productions are seeking interpreters who can utilize these cultural nuances when translating performances for diverse, deaf audiences. This is an important frontier for those of us working to bring Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access to performing arts spaces. In the news report, it noted that … Continue reading Let’s Talk: Accessibility and Cultural Nuances

January 22, 2023—I loved reading the article published by the blog, Culture Type, about the 27 recently appointed curators and arts leaders of color who are working internationally in museums, universities, and other prominent visual arts institutions. The idea that positions of curatorial and frontline leadership and management are being held by these newly appointed leaders will have an impact on the stories we see, … Continue reading Meet the 27 New Arts Leaders of Color

January 8, 2023—The 2023 National Day of Racial Healing is being commemorated in New Jersey with a week of free, in-person and online activities sponsored by the Creating Change Network(CCN), in cooperation with the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center at Rutgers University-Newark (TRHT Center). The 2023 theme of the New Jersey-sponsored events is “Redefining and Rebuilding Community.” Information about the full schedule and tickets … Continue reading 2023 National Day of Racial Healing NJ Arts Community Offers Week of Events

January 2, 2023—Happy New Year! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your continued support of Arts & Culture Connections!   I am encouraged by the growing momentum for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access that occurred last year in the performing arts and other cultural institutions. I especially applaud the innovative pathways being blazed by organizations such as Black Theatre United (BTU) and … Continue reading Blazing Brave, Bold New Trails in 2023!

December 25, 2022—As a life-long Champion for the Arts, I am optimistic about the profound visionary and transformational powers of the arts. That’s why I want to share with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections an inspiring story I recently heard about a group of artists in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Diatribe is a nonprofit creative collective, which was established about eight years ago … Continue reading Reimagining the Power of the Arts

  December 18, 2022—It’s time for my annual celebration of the 2022 Champions for the Arts, who have spent the past year working to advance Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access (EDI&A). The 2022 Champions for Arts are: Nataki Garrett, Vy Higginsen, John Haworth, HARLEM WEEK, Asian American Arts Alliance (A4), and the “Diversity United” program of Congregation Ahavas Sholom of Newark. They have all managed … Continue reading Meet My 2022 Champions for the Arts

December 11, 2022—I am excited to share with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections about the new opportunities available for producing and investing in Broadway productions that feature the underrepresented narratives of people of color and members of marginalized communities. This diversity and inclusion initiative was launched earlier this month by The Industry Standard Group (TISG), and it is called Second Act Theatrical Capital … Continue reading TISG Launches Investment Fund

December 2, 2022—I recently had the honor and fabulous opportunity to discuss the evolution of my work to expand Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access in the arts on the podcast, Barsha Barsha Barsha!, with the award-winning composer, pianist and singer Debra Barsha. The conversation ranged from the pioneering community engagement work I did with Dance Theatre of Harlem to the EDI&A trainings I am currently … Continue reading The Opportunity to Share the Evolution of My Work