As the New Year began, 2020 was being heralded as the decade of clear vision. But barely two weeks in, the fate of the world has never been more clouded by darkness—from the brink of war in the Middle East and climate-fueled fires in Australia, to the world of chaos on Capitol Hill and the violence in urban centers throughout America. What should we, as … Continue reading 2020: The Decade for Clear Sight and Artists as Vision Keepers and Peacemakers

In the fall of 2019, I had the honor and pleasure of teaching a new course at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. The course title was “Community Engagement for Community Arts Organizations/Centers.” I was excited to create and teach this class because its goal was also service-oriented. Not only did the students learn the theoretical tools for building audiences … Continue reading Hands-On Learning Benefits Community Arts Organizations

I recently read an interesting article in Time Magazine, written by award-winning journalist and author Pamela Newkirk titled “The Diversity Business is Booming. So, What Are the Results?” You may be surprised to learn that since the election of Trump, the diversity industry has exploded. However, as Ms. Newkirk notes in the article and in her book, Diversity, Inc.: The Failed Promise of a Billion … Continue reading Creating a Culture of Diversity: Can the Arts Lead the Way?

This week, I’m bringing you Part 2 of my Arts & Culture Connection interview with the fabulous Mikki Taylor, the author, international speaker and editor-at-large for Essence Magazine. If you missed Part 1, you can find it here. Ms. Taylor is the leading authority on “inner and outer beauty” for women of color and a compelling empowerment speaker. She also is the author of several … Continue reading Mikki Taylor—Part 2: The Evolving Arts offer Amazing Possibilities

December 5, 2019, marked the 96th year my mother has been on this planet. Throughout our lives, she has encouraged me, as well as many other people, to live life fully and vibrantly. It was my mother who introduced my twin sister and me to ballet; a story I previously shared with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections. She also ensured we made it … Continue reading A Tribute to My Mother: Living Life Vibrantly at 96

I met Vernon Araujo through the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, where we both serve on its Board of Directors. During a recent meeting, Mr. Araujo shared an update on the status of the arts community in St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands in the wake of the two hurricanes those islands experienced in 2017. Mr. Araujo is the development director for the Family Resource Center, … Continue reading Vernon Araujo: Helping Artists and Communities Respond to Climate Change

  I recently have had the pleasure of working with the fabulous Mikki Taylor, the author, international speaker and editor-at-large for Essence Magazine. Ms. Taylor is the leading authority on “inner and outer beauty” for women of color and a compelling empowerment speaker. She also is the author of several books, including Commander-in-Chic: Every Woman’s Guide to Managing Her Style Like a First Lady and … Continue reading Mikki Taylor: We Each Have the Power to Choose Our Path

Your Arts & Culture Connection for Nov. 23, 2019 The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) recently announced that it is hoping to provide a musical instrument to every single Detroit student—any K-12 student in public, private and charter school—who wants to play one. In addition, the DSO envisions that this program will create jobs for city residents by also providing children with access to music education … Continue reading Detroit Symphony Orchestra Seeking to Guarantee Music Education for Any Child Who Wants it

Photo credit courtesy of Ginny Louloudes I recently had the opportunity to interview Virginia (Ginny) Louloudes for Arts & Culture Connections. Ginny is the Executive Director of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (A.R.T./New York), which is the service and advocacy organization for New York City’s 400-plus nonprofit theatres. I met Ginny more than 20 years ago and was immediately impressed with her commitment to … Continue reading Champion of the Arts: Ginny Louloudes Working to Advance DE&I in New York’s Theatre World

I was thrilled to read in ArtNews and Culture Type that Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the Chairman of Education for the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), has been chosen after an international search to be the Director and CEO of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. The Lucas Museum is currently under construction in LA. Ms. Jackson-Dumont will begin her new post in January 2020. Readers of … Continue reading Champion of the Arts: Sandra Jackson-Dumont to Lead Lucas Museum of Narrative Art