Like many of you, I have been saddened by the postponements of openings, cancellations of performances and closings of venues due to the necessary concerns about the public health consequences of transmitting COVID-19. I have been especially concerned about the artists, production crews, staff and venue operators deeply impacted by the recommended social distancing needed to protect people from the virus. At this point, the … Continue reading Champions of the Arts Emerge As the Pioneers of a Better Age

The first biannual Los Angeles International Dance Festival will be held next month, featuring 30 performances spread across L.A. and surrounding regions, over the course of 16 days. The festival is the brainchild of the “quintessential renaissance woman” of the arts—Debbie Allen—the legendary award-winning, director, producer, choreographer, author, dancer, actor, teacher and mentor. The festival, which Ms. Allen co-founded with Nigel Lythgoe OBE, the creator, … Continue reading ‘Quintessential Renaissance Woman’ Debbie Allen Spearheads Dance Festival

The battle over preserving the cultural heritage of Washington, D.C.’s Black community in the face of a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood recently made national headlines when the mayor signed a law declaring “Go-Go” the official music of the District. I believe we can learn a lot from the community campaign that gave birth to this law. Go-Go music is considered the only indigenous music and expressive … Continue reading The Go-Go Music Battle in D.C. Exemplifies the Importance of Respecting All Cultures

Award-winning playwright Yolanda Bonnell, who defines herself as a Queer, 2-Spirit Ojibwe/South Asian artist, recently banned critics who are not Indigenous, Black or People of Color (IBPOC) from reviewing the production of her play, “bug.” I read reports online about Ms. Bonnell’s bold, public declaration, which launched a conversation, both inside and outside of the world of the arts, about the uneasy relationship between IBPOC … Continue reading Indigenous Playwright Bans Media Critics Who Are Not Indigenous, Black or People of Color

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