2025 Power Players in Arts & Culture

Just over a year as Ronay Menschel director and president, Brooklyn native Stephanie Hill Wilchfort has led the Museum of the City of New York to new heights. Under her leadership, MCNY opened an acclaimed exhibition about Shirley Chisholm and “Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection.” Stephanie has raised over $20 million for operations, exhibitions, and capital projects, and re-launched seven-day service. She also introduced Weekends @MCNY, boosting weekend attendance by 40%. 

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city this month, what would it be and why?
I’m particularly interested in the new Birch Trials exhibition at the Fraunces Tavern Museum, which explores the 1783 review of Black Loyalists, who had joined the British cause seeking freedom, to determine their eligibility to evacuate with the British Army. As MCNY prepares for a major exhibition on the Revolutionary War next year, this exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to deepen my understanding of this important chapter in New York City’s history.

How can policymakers and everyday New Yorkers support arts and culture within the city?
With an allocation of $150M from the City of New York, the creative economy generates $110 billion and represents 13% of our city’s economy. Arts and culture are some of the most productive urban investments, but city funding for the sector has not materially increased since 2009. Cuts to federal funding render arts and culture particularly vulnerable this year. City and State policymakers need to increase support for cultural institutions to ensure their continued strength.

New York has historically been considered the culture capital of the world. How do you feel the city upholds this legacy in 2025?
As the city marks its 400th anniversary in 2025, MCNY is highlighting quintessentially New York art forms that have shaped popular culture globally. “Above Ground” showcases the ways that New York graffiti influenced art worldwide, “Urban Stomp” tells New York origin stories of dances including the lindy hop, salsa, and hustle, and “Songs of New York” explores music of the boroughs that has international reach. New York continues to be the world’s cultural innovator.

As director and CEO, Hollein is responsible for the leadership of the Museum, including its artistic vision, programming, strategic, fiscal and institutional priorities, local engagement and international relations. Since beginning at The Met, Hollein has overseen hundreds of exhibitions, launched several historic capital projects – including the new Tang Wing for Modern and Contemporary Art (opening in 2030) – secured preeminent acquisitions and donations, and re-envisioned the Museum’s approach to public outreach through education and digital initiatives.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city this month, what would it be and why?
I’m incredibly excited for the opening of The Met’s Roof Garden, a favorite spot for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world to gather, enjoy incredible views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, and see some fantastic art. This year we’re featuring a new commission by the innovative artist Jennie C. Jones, who has created a sculptural exhibition inspired by the sound and form of stringed instruments – it’s not to be missed!

How can policymakers and everyday New Yorkers support arts and culture within the city?
Everyone can demonstrate their support by showing up – whether it’s a Broadway show, an exhibition at The Met, or a free concert in your neighborhood. Some institutions are still working to bring back audiences in the wake of the pandemic and it’s critical that we all engage with the creative community that keeps New York such an exciting and vibrant place to live.

New York has historically been considered the culture capital of the world. How do you feel the city upholds this legacy in 2025?
New York is an exceptionally dynamic city – it pulses with a vibrant spirit of creativity and innovation. There is art nearly everywhere you turn, and I find there is also a deep appreciation across the city for all forms of creative expression. I’m always so thrilled to see the galleries at The Met bustling with New Yorkers and tourists alike, all communing in a shared appreciation of the world’s art and culture. There’s nowhere better!

Cathy is dedicated to fostering transformative partnerships through the arts, creating impactful programs that uplift communities. As executive director of New York City Children’s Theater, she leads one of the nation’s premier children’s theaters, inspiring young audiences through imaginative plays. She has held leadership positions at Jamaica Arts Center, Young Audiences New York, and the New York Chinese Cultural Center. Cathy is also the author of Performing Arts Administration, a widely used textbook in Asia.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city this month, what would it be and why?
I would like to visit the Frick Collection. As a proud New Yorker, it is both a privilege and a duty to support the city’s cultural institutions. The Frick stands as a testament to the enormous investment that keeps New York City the cultural capital of the world. Supporting such institutions reinforces the city’s vibrant cultural fabric, a responsibility every New Yorker can take immense pride in.

How can policymakers and everyday New Yorkers support arts and culture within the city?
Policymakers should back arts and culture by boosting cultural funding for institutions and artists, adding arts to education, and ensuring affordable spaces for creators while making art accessible to everyone. When art is more accessible, New Yorkers can show their support by going to performances, exploring museums, speaking up for arts funding, and contributing to cultural organizations.

New York has historically been considered the culture capital of the world. How do you feel the city upholds this legacy in 2025?
Federal funding cuts and the current political climate pose significant challenges to preserving this legacy. We must strengthen public-private partnerships, increase state and city-level support, and encourage private philanthropy to address funding gaps. A thriving community remains the backbone of New York City’s cultural and economic vitality. When everyday New Yorkers engage with local arts, support businesses, and collaborate on community-driven initiatives, they fuel the city’s creative and economic engine and sustain its vibrant atmosphere.

Aziz Isham has been the executive director of Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) since October 2023. In the last year, attendance at the museum has more than doubled. MoMI launched “Open Worlds” – making 1/3 of the museum free for the exploration of stories, ideas and professional opportunities. For thousands of diverse New Yorkers, the museum has become the place for hands-on encounters with creative technologies including VR, game design, AI, and more.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city this month, what would it be and why?
Now that the weather is beginning to turn, I’m excited to visit our neighbors at Socrates Sculpture Park. There’s nothing better than a weekend afternoon in Astoria with the family – a walk along the waterfront, a couple of grilled sardines and broccoli rabe at Astoria Seafood, pick up a book at Astoria Bookshop and a pastry at Little Flower. Ideal!

How can policymakers and everyday New Yorkers support arts and culture within the city?
The arts and culture sector is not only a massive engine of economic development in New York City – especially when you include the tourism dollars it attracts –but it’s also our city’s unique contribution to the development of new technology. Scientific innovation and advances in AI are inadequate without the messy interventions of artists, students, and families that happen every day in places like AMNH, NYSCI and MoMI.

New York has historically been considered the culture capital of the world. How do you feel the city upholds this legacy in 2025?
My grandparents came to New York from Iran because they wanted to be part of the culture here. 70 years later, despite changing administrations, funding fluctuations, and housing and affordability crises, New York City is still the cultural capital of the world. We can certainly do things to make the city more affordable and to make our institutions more accessible, but the culture of this city is unstoppable.

Wes Jackson has over 25 years of experience as a leader and innovator in entertainment and academia. He serves as president of BRIC Arts Media, a multidisciplinary arts and media institution anchored in Downtown Brooklyn that advances opportunities for visual artists, performers, and media makers. His career began as a concert producer, which led him to his first venture, Seven Heads Entertainment, and later to found and lead the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city this month, what would it be and why?
Dumbo Open Studios happens later this month, where many artist studios will be open to explore, including those of our BRICLab artists. I plan on taking my son to the Holi celebration at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. As a hip-hop head, I want to catch that Wu-Tang tour when it comes to town, and want to get uptown to the Museum of the City of New York for their exhibition on Shirley Chisholm. 

How can policymakers and everyday New Yorkers support arts and culture within the city?
We need to understand that art is not a luxury or a playground for the wealthy. Art and culture are essential for public safety, mental health, and physical health. It can break the cycle of poverty and show us all a better world. It is real magic that changes the world. I appreciate the policymakers who appreciate this power. I hope more join the cause and help fund us in all sectors and disciplines. 

New York has historically been considered the culture capital of the world. How do you feel the city upholds this legacy in 2025?
New Yorkers are some of the most innovative, creative people in the world. That’s possible because of grassroots efforts in historically Black and brown communities, in immigrant communities, and in queer spaces. This year, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!’s theme, “Where Brooklyn Meets… The World,” is a reminder that our city’s power comes from its people, and from the global stories they carry. A culture capital thrives when creativity meets community and when innovation is supported by accessibility.

Leah Johnson is executive vice president, chief communications, marketing and advocacy officer for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and chair of the Trust for Cultural Resources of the City of New York. Since 2019, she has helped Lincoln Center become an inviting institution for all New Yorkers, including implementing a Choose-What-You-Pay ticketing model. Leah holds a B.A. in psychology from Harvard College. A Brooklyn native, she resides in East Harlem with her husband and daughter.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city this month, what would it be and why? 
The Mambo Legends Orchestra is performing at Lincoln Center this May as part of our Legacies of San Juan Hill series, and it’s an excellent opportunity to get in touch with the dance and music that has been such a vital part of our neighborhood’s history and New York as a whole. Several members of the orchestra have been performing since the 1950s and ‘60s. They’re connecting the genre’s origins with the present – so exciting!

How can policymakers and everyday New Yorkers support arts and culture within the city? 
In the process of reimagining the Amsterdam Avenue side of our campus, we’ve been working closely with both policymakers and residents, and we’ve been reminded of an important fact – culture brings people together, and that’s an essential part of our lives and communities, not just an added bonus. With that in mind, I encourage all of us to keep culture at the forefront of conversations about community building.

New York has historically been considered the culture capital of the world. How do you feel the city upholds this legacy in 2025? 
The vibrancy of the arts in New York is truly unparalleled. There really is space for every type of art form to thrive, and I believe Lincoln Center is proof of that. As a hub for arts across music, theater, dance, film and opera – to name just a few – we’ve seen the way that New York attracts artists who are passionate not only about their field, but about collaboration across disciplines.

As president and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library, Linda E. Johnson is the driving force behind a national movement to combat censorship. She is also leading a campaign to update aging infrastructure to ensure the Library’s 62 buildings are modern inspiring spaces including the opening of the Library of Arts and Culture, the first public library in the borough dedicated to the arts.

As an arts manager, Khady Kamara Nunez has a proven record of significantly increasing earned and contributed revenue. In addition to strategic planning, a core focus is strengthening community relations and developing new audiences with an attention to diversity and inclusion.

Previously, Khady managed Second Stage Theater (Tony® winner, Take Me Out) and Arena Stage where she doubled the subscription base, increased patron engagement, and contributed to the world premieres of Dear Evan Hansen and The Originalist. Khady is an adjunct professor at George Mason University.

Guillaume Kientz is an art historian and curator serving as CEO and director of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library in NY. He previously held curatorial roles at the Kimbell Art Museum and the Louvre, organizing major exhibitions on Velázquez and El Greco. Educated in political science and art history at the universities of Strasbourg and Dijon, Kientz is recognized for expertise in Spanish and Latin American art and commitment to museum inclusivity and innovation

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city this month, what would it be and why?
TEFAF, without hesitation. It’s always an incredible opportunity to see extraordinary art and engage in meaningful conversations with friends, colleagues, collectors, and dealers. The entire art ecosystem converges for it, creating a unique energy. This year, it’s even more special – the Hispanic Society Museum & Library is featured in a panel discussion on rare books and philanthropy. One of our most treasured manuscripts, The Black Book of Hours, will be on display during the fair.

How can policymakers and everyday New Yorkers support arts and culture within the city?
The most powerful way to support the arts is to engage with them – visit museums, galleries, and exhibitions; share your experiences; talk about what moved you. Word of mouth is invaluable. And collecting, even in small ways, is a meaningful form of support – there’s great art for every budget. Staying curious is key. Explore the icons, yes –  also seek out the unexpected: the overlooked gallery, the emerging artist, the quiet masterpiece. That’s where the magic often lies.

New York has historically been considered the culture capital of the world. How do you feel the city upholds this legacy in 2025?
New York still offers cultural opportunities unlike anywhere else in the world. It remains a dynamic, ever-evolving center for art, music, literature, and design. One area I wish received more attention is architecture. There’s so much more than the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center – our city is filled with remarkable, often underappreciated architectural gems and historic sites that tell the story of its vibrant, layered past.

Jack Kliger is president and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. He built a distinguished media career leading Condé Nast, Parade, and Hachette Filipacchi Media and served as chairman of the Magazine Publishers of America. A former board member turned Museum leader, he has championed Holocaust education and impactful exhibitions. Kliger also serves on the Board of Directors for The Circle of Generosity.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city this month, what would it be and why?
This month, I’m most excited to see “Othello” starring Denzel Washington. Shakespeare’s timeless exploration of jealousy and power, paired with Washington’s commanding stage presence, is a can’t-miss event. As someone who values storytelling that resonates across generations, I find live theater exhilarating. Of course, as a lifelong Mets fan, I’m also hoping for a little drama – and maybe a few miracles – at Citi Field. Spring in New York really does offer the best of both worlds.

How can policymakers and everyday New Yorkers support arts and culture within the city?
Policymakers and New Yorkers can support arts and culture by ensuring full city and state funding – especially as federal support declines. Local investment has never been more critical. At the Museum of Jewish Heritage, our top priority is education. Supporting Holocaust education in the Department of Education’s curriculum ensures that students learn vital lessons of history through arts and culture, helping build a more informed and empathetic future.

New York has historically been considered the culture capital of the world. How do you feel the city upholds this legacy in 2025?
New York continues to lead as the cultural capital of the world because no other city matches its breadth and depth of offerings. From world-class museums and theaters to concerts and visual arts, we bring every facet of culture to life. I’ve been to Paris, London, and Rome – each remarkable in their own way – but none have the uniquely dynamic combination that New York offers. It’s a city where culture isn’t just present – it’s essential.