December 19, 2021—I am inspired by the significant efforts of several people and organizations this past year that have advanced Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access (EDI&A) in the arts, despite the ongoing pandemics of COVID-19, racial injustice, and political divide. As we close out another tumultuous year, I have chosen to highlight three individuals and three organizations whose laudable efforts personify the work of Champions … Continue reading My 2021 Champion of the Arts

Gennean M. Scott – Photo credit: J. Mayo December 12, 2021—I was encouraged when I learned earlier this year of the nationwide search launched by The Broadway League to hire its first-ever Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. In my opinion, that was a signal that The League recognized the essential need to establish this position to address the racial and social justice issues raised … Continue reading Gennean Scott Steps Into Broadway’s ED&I Spotlight

November 7, 2021—I recently had the opportunity to watch a virtual dialogue amongst a group of theatre professionals discussing what it means to be an “anti-racist theatremaker.” Sponsored by New York City’s Playwrights Realm, the panelists were asked to tackle the question, What Does Anti-Racist Producing Look Like? The dialogue was livestreamed via the Howlround TV, the peer-produced network of Howlround Theatre Commons, and posted … Continue reading Anti-racist theater

January 10, 2021—Like many around the nation and the world, I watched in horror and disbelief as insurrectionists attempted to take over the U.S. Capitol to block the certification by the U.S. Congress of the results of the presidential election of Joe Biden. Incited by the outgoing president and his supporters in Congress, the violent mob action resulted in the deaths of at least five … Continue reading Arts Leaders Speak Out About Capitol Riot

January 3, 2021—I am excited about the new beginnings 2021 offers for so many reasons! I know we all endured unimaginable challenges and struggles in 2020, but I hope you can join me in celebrating the fact that we survived! And some of us even thrived! Despite the shuttering of our nation’s most vital arts institutions and organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have … Continue reading Happy New Beginnings!

December 20, 2020—I recently had the privilege of moderating a powerful discussion as part of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Standing in Solidarity social justice series, which featured some of the most visionary thinkers in the world of the arts. The theme of the program was inspired by and named after Oprah Winfrey’s two-part documentary, “Where Do We Go From Here?” The audience was … Continue reading Arts Leaders Offer a Vision for the Future

November 22, 2020—Last month, the Newark Arts Festival boldly took the leap to the virtual platform, holding its annual three-day event online. It was a major undertaking, and I believe the readers of Arts & Culture Connections can benefit from some of the behind-the-scenes insights Marcy DePina has to share. Marcy is the President of the Board of Directors for Newark Arts, and rolled up … Continue reading The Newark Arts Festival’s Bold Leap to Virtual Platform

I am sure many of you have heard by now about the recent White House memo to cancel diversity training that was issued to all federal agencies throughout the United States. This is likely one of the most blatant acts of systemic or institutional racism that we have ever witnessed; a blatant attempt to distort and dismiss the legitimate demonstrations and calls for equity and … Continue reading Resisting the White House Efforts to Dismantle Federal ED&I Programs

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s PSEG True Diversity Film Series recently sponsored a virtual panel of all white advocates titled, “White Fragility—A Conversation About Allyship,” which I believe will be of interest to the readers of Arts & Culture Connections. A week prior to the event, participants were encouraged to watch a video about the book, White Fragility, read by author Robin DiAngelo. More … Continue reading NJPAC Panel discusses Role of “White Allyship”