I am excited by the numbers of young Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) activists, supported by young white allies, who are leading the waves of protests and social justice movements that have sprung up across the globe in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. Drawing upon the legacy of the American civil rights movement, these emboldened youth, many of them young women, … Continue reading What the Arts Can Learn From Our Youth Activists

During this period of multiple crises—COVID-19, racial injustice, record unemployment and economic stagnation—I think it’s important that we remember the essential role of Black Arts institutions. Over the coming months of these ongoing crises, I will be shining a spotlight on the state of Black Arts organizations to keep the readers of Arts & Culture Connections abreast of how these valiant Champions of the Arts … Continue reading State of Black Arts Organizations: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Since the tragic murder of George Floyd a month ago, there have been several news reports about the hundreds of millions of dollars pledged and/or donated to organizations committed to fighting for racial justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, or to address unconscious bias. I believe a portion of this money should be shared with arts organizations to help facilitate and foster the social changes necessary … Continue reading How the Arts Can Help Combat Bias and Injustice

I am very happy to share with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections the link to a compilation podcast put together by Capacity Interactive to further expand the conversation at this critical time about equity, diversity, inclusion and access within the arts community. In addition to an interview conducted with me by CI founder Erik Gensler, this compilation includes interviews with leaders in the … Continue reading “CI to Eye” Expands Conversation About EDI in the Arts

In the wake of the widespread distribution of the videotaped murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, as well as the deaths of Breonna Taylor and Toni McDade, there continues to be unprecedented, nationwide examinations of and discussions about the effects of racism, white fragility, white privilege and white supremacy in America. These discussions are now touching every sphere of American life. This past week, … Continue reading The Spotlight of Racial Injustice Is Now Focusing on Broadway

Like many of my readers of Arts & Culture Connections, I have spent the past week engaged in numerous discussions about how the arts can help bridge and heal the societal chasms and wounds created by racism, racial injustice, and state-sanctioned violence. The videotaped murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, as well as the deaths of Breonna Taylor and Toni McDade, have shown the … Continue reading Arts Organizations Engage in Dialogues About Racial Injustice

It is challenging for me to process the intensifying domino effect of this past week’s painful and world-rocking events. From the threatening of Christian Cooper, an African-American man, in New York City’s Central Park by Amy Cooper, a white woman, over her unleashed dog, to the callous murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis, Minnesota, white police officer, we have been given front row seats … Continue reading True Champions of the Arts Must End Their Silence

I love graduation ceremonies—they mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of something new. However, due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 graduation ceremonies have shifted from over-flowing auditoriums to maintain physical distancing to online platforms and broadcast television, making them unique beyond imagination. Thankfully, the festivities and memorable instructions from keynote speakers have still helped millions of graduates mark … Continue reading Virtual 2020 Graduation Ceremonies Still Mark Life-Changing Milestones

After months of navigating the uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is one thing we know for sure: The way arts and cultural organizations will navigate in the future has totally changed! When and how these changes will manifest is still to be determined. But I am encouraged by the online discussions that are taking place to promote thinking about and planning for what … Continue reading Navigating the Future of Arts Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge us all to rethink how we engage in the arts, provide access and sustain our audiences. For most of us, that means making a transition from our offerings and outreach in a physical space to bringing people together for a shared experience in a digital space. It also means continuing to support our artists, who are the soul and … Continue reading The Way Forward