…and still going strong!

As a Hi-ARTS board member, I have the privilege of seeing how the organization embodies a work in process as it adapts, transforms, and grows. This ethos extends in the way Hi-ARTS supports artists and their work, understanding the importance of the creative process and celebrating the inherent journey and discovery. Through artist residencies, vibrant multi-disciplinary creative programming, and creative engagement opportunities, Hi-ARTS empowers artists to develop bold new work while creating a positive, lasting impact to the community. It is an honor and joy to support this meaningful mission and to be a part of the HI-ARTS family.

Hi-ARTS means as much to me because of my much earlier relationship with Danny, Kamilah and Clyde - when we were in a very tight little space, as the Hip Hop Theatre Fest, and they essentially were the entire staff with a very small board. As an older white woman following the artists then as now, it is an opportunity for me to support young voices as well as to learn from them. I treasure all my years with this meaningful endeavor - and at some point I'll be invited to leave - no problem, then I can be a board member emeritus.

In my short time as a board member, I am pleased to see the great space Hi-Arts gives to artists of color to be able to cultivate their gifts. I am always happy to hear about the diverse artists' works, and I look forward to seeing how our community grows.

For over a decade I have been a witness to Hi-ARTS and its work in the urban arts cultural movement, the last five years as a Board member. I have seen firsthand Hi-ARTS’ effective support and development of the movement, its promotion and enabling of artists, its fostering creative expressions and its positive impact on the community. Hi-ARTS’ efforts have been made possible by an ever-constant dedication to its mission and by its small but effective staff, and these two pillars have served as continuing reminders to me of what can be accomplished when united and committed to a goal.

Hi-ARTS is among the most important artistic institutions and cultural hubs in New York City. Leading the work that many claim but few invest in -- sponsoring development residencies, nurturing artists of color, impacting and engaging with its communities -- Hi-ARTS deserves and demands our ongoing attention and support. It’s my honor to serve on its Board and to learn from and support its team, artists and patrons.

Hi-ARTS creates space – both literally and figuratively – for artists to develop their ideas and their craft. That support of artists as works-in-progress leads to bold and exciting new work. And I want to live in a world filled with artists and the new perspectives they offer us. I’m honored that Hi-ARTS allows me to help support their mission.