February 7, 2021—I am delighted to join the chorus of those congratulating and celebrating my colleague Marcia Lynn Sells, who recently was appointed to the newly created post of Chief Diversity Officer at the Metropolitan Opera, the largest performing arts institution in the United States. According to the news release, Marcia joins the senior management team, reporting directly to general manager Peter Gelb, and will … Continue reading Marcia Sells appointed Chief Diversity Officer for the Metropolitan Opera

January 31, 2020—I recently had a dialogue with my long-time friend and colleague, John Haworth, about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts and culture of Native Americans. Following our conversation, I asked John to write something that I could share with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections. John, whom you may recall from a previous post, is Senior Executive Emeritus, Smithsonian … Continue reading Pandemic Challenges for Native American Arts and Culture

January 24, 2021—The inauguration ceremony of Joseph R. Biden as President and Kamala D. Harris as Vice President last Wednesday was both historic and inspiring on so many levels. I am excited about the diverse team President Biden has assembled to tackle the nation’s multiple pandemics—COVID-19, racial injustice and the political divide, which led to the riotous storming of the U.S. Capitol. And I am … Continue reading Answering the Call To Be the New Dawn

Photo Credit: Brenda Williams-Butts. January 17, 2021—I am delighted to share with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections the news about an important executive appointment at New York Public Radio: Brenda Williams-Butts has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The powerhouse NYPR owns and operates WNYC AM and FM, WQXR, the four stations of New Jersey Public Radio, the … Continue reading Brenda Williams-Butts Promoted to SVP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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