I have developed a deep respect for the effort many arts organizations are making towards building a culture of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDI&A). I also am on the frontlines, working with several clients on this issue and teaching this subject at both New York University and Columbia University. Generally, the consensus for consulting about or teaching EDI&A has been to develop and implement … Continue reading At What Age Should We Begin EDI&A Education?

My heart sang when I read Rohina Katoch Sehra’s Huffington Post article about the impact of Ballerinas of Color on the world of dance, and I am exited to share it with readers of Arts & Culture Connections. “How Ballerinas of Color are Changing the Palette of Dance” includes interviews with African-American women who are performing classical ballet and are making their mark in different … Continue reading Ballerinas of Color and the Changing Palette of Dance

CultureType, the blog that explores the arts by and about people of African descent, has released its 4th annual global list of Black Curators and Arts Leaders. The 2019 list profiles 47 men and women who have “first-ever” responsibility in the world of visual arts and culture. I urge you spend time reading this post about these phenomenal people, who have extraordinary backgrounds and have … Continue reading 47 Champions of the Arts Rise to the Top

It’s exciting to witness the emergence of younger Champions of the Arts, who are carving their own pathways and forging new ways to contribute to the dialogue about diversity, equity, inclusion and access to the arts. I am honored to introduce the readers of Arts & Culture Connections to Durrell Cooper. Mr. Cooper is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cultural Innovation Group, LLC, … Continue reading Champion of the Arts: Leading Cultural Strategist Durrell Cooper Forges New Pathways to ‘Flow’ in the Arts

Last week, I participated in a very important forum about key issues that should be considered by arts organizations when they prepare for, promote and engage the immigrant community—the artists as well as the potential audience. The forum was part of the annual Association of Performing Arts Professionals/New York City (APAP/NYC) Conference—an annual gathering of more than 3,500 people from 49 of the 50 U.S. … Continue reading Tackling the Complex Issues Faced by Immigrant Artists

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