Power Players in Arts & Culture

Colin B. Bailey is the sixth director of the Morgan Library and Museum, a position he has held since 2015. Bailey is a scholar of 18th- and 19th-century French art, a specialist of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and has been responsible for many publications and exhibitions. An Officier de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres, in 2020 he was awarded the Prix du Rayonnement de la langue et de la littérature françaises by the Académie française.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
The Morgan Library and Museum is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. We were founded as the Pierpont Morgan Library in 1924. After Renzo Piano completed his spectacular addition in 2006, we changed our name, having added departments devoted to modern and contemporary drawings and photography. Turning 100 is a tremendous milestone and we have put together a very exciting roster of exhibitions and programs, such as the exhibition “Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature”.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Working in this sector is one of the most rewarding of all career paths. You need to find your passion, and then do all you can to learn about it. This means being open to absorbing ideas from all sorts of experts: professors, artists, musicians, administrators. You will have the immense pleasure of introducing people to art and ideas that they may not have thought much about.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
I hope everyone recognizes the great value of arts and culture, not only in enhancing our daily lives, but also in maintaining a vibrant economy and an informed citizenry. Collaboration is the best way forward, and city agencies can make huge contributions to capital projects and programming. Supporting school programs is such a great investment. Do all you can to maintain state and federal funding for art, music and literacy initiatives in our public schools.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
We are so lucky in New York, and there are always so many things to see. If I had to choose one event, it would be Puccini’s last opera Turandot at the Met. This is one of the few productions by the great Italian designer, Franco Zeffirelli, to have survived. It is operatic spectacle at its greatest, and the performance of the soprano Elena Pankratova, as the imperious princess, has won rave reviews.

Adrian Benepe, president and CEO of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, is one of the nation’s foremost experts in parks and open green spaces. Previously, he served as senior vice president and director of national programs at the Trust for Public Land, and he worked for NYC Parks and Recreation for 27 years, including eleven years as commissioner. He has also served in senior roles at the Municipal Art Society and the New York Botanical Garden.

Stephanie Berger is a poet, community organizer, and entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of The Poetry Society of New York and creator of The Poetry Brothel and New York City Poetry Festival. Stephanie is the author of “In The Madame’s Hat Box” (Dancing Girl Press) and co-author of “The Grey Bird “(Coconut Books). Her latest collection of poetry, “Interior Femme” (University of Nevada Press), won the 2020 Betsey Joiner Flanagan award in poetry.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
My main advice is to be sensitive to your own needs and the needs of your community. Fill the gaps, get scrappy, and just keep creating. Make the pieces and projects that you want to make. Be resourceful. Challenge yourself. Document, document, document. Whether or not you start out with support, once you have a track record, the funding and accolades will come.

Jennifer Bernstein has served as chief executive officer and the William C. Steere Sr. president of the New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG) since 2021. She is the tenth leader in the Garden’s 130-year history. Previously, she served as chief development officer and interim chief operating officer at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and in administrative and development roles at New York University, Playwrights Horizon and Roundabout Theatre. As the leader of NYBG, Bernstein advocates for stepping up the momentum to conserve and restore natural ecosystems. She is committed to using NYBG’s leading science, education, and horticultural programs to advance environmental stewardship and conservation. Bernstein earned her undergraduate degree from Santa Fe University of Art and Design.

As the director of program operations for Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) and a seasoned artist, Wendy Arimah Berot is dedicated to identifying impactful and necessary multi-disciplinary programming for the BIPOC population. With more than 20 years as a freelance arts administrator and in positions with Brooklyn Academy of Music and St. Peter’s Church, she has built a robust network of key resources to navigate the ever-changing environment of the arts and nonprofit industries.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Yes, JCAL Reads. It’s a book club designed to discuss books relevant to the BIPOC community. At the end of the season, the participants get a free copy of the books discussed. Last season focused on examining the stereotypes of Black men. This season’s selections are centered around raising children of color. Caregivers are given tools to assist with difficult conversations with the younger generation. The facilitator is a Queens native and author, Kareem Hayes.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
It’s important to be realistic with your talents and goals and build a support system comprised of varied personalities. Decide what you will tolerate and what you’ll accept on your journey. Define your own levels of success because in many cases it comes in increments. Audacity and ignorance are not necessarily bad things, so don’t be afraid to take chances or ask questions, as long as no one gets hurt (yourself included).

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
Experience events with a “boots on the ground” perspective. See what grant money is producing and where more money is needed. There is so much ingenuity in places that are sometimes ignored, and vibrant culture is in almost every corner of NYC. There are art exhibits in pop-up locations, warehouses and community centers. Musicians play in street fairs, fundraisers etc. So same goes for policymakers, don’t be afraid to ask questions or take chances…

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
Tonight? Well it’s Wednesday, and JCAL stages are dark, but I have a lot of DJ friends and friends who are artists so, first I’d check my social media to see who is doing what and where. To support Queens, I’d see “Hell’s Kitchen” on Broadway, Camille A. Brown is the choreographer. In Brooklyn, because I love Burt Bacharach’s music, I’d go to “The Look of Love” at BAM.

Yoni Bokser is a lifelong New Yorker who has worked in government, politics, policy and economic development at the city, state, and international levels. At Empire State Development, his role is to make New York State the best place to create movies, television, and theater. To do this, he works with industry and government partners to craft programs, write policies, and facilitate productions all across the state.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Our office works with film and TV productions to ensure the industry creates good jobs throughout NYS, has a diverse workforce, and integrates cutting edge technologies. Our theater recovery program incentivizes shows to create job training programs and make their productions accessible to low-income New Yorkers. Our diverse supplier directory connects productions with local diverse businesses. We’re keeping NYS the center of the entertainment world, while delivering benefits to our economy and our local communities.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Work hard and network! There are great programs offered by public colleges, TV networks, film studios, unions, guilds and independent producers to jumpstart career pathways. We work to keep the industry thriving across NYS, and ensure there are incentives to come to NYS and hire diverse local talent for everything from acting to editing to set design and electrical work. We’re proud to keep NYS a great place to work and create art!

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
Visit, support and promote the local arts and cultural organizations throughout the state. Invest in workforce development and in future technologies so we can stay competitive in the ever-changing world of arts, culture and media. Talk to your local small businesses and learn how various arts and cultural entities have economic impacts throughout your communities.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
New York is the show! Whether in Rochester, Albany, Ithaca or NYC, I love going to a local restaurant, sitting at the bar, reading a book and enjoying good food and watching the city go by. I’m also a big fan of walking up to theaters and rushing tickets for whatever is on or going through the Theatre Development Fund membership program which provides access to discount tickets for arts and culture.

Rocky Bucano, CEO of The Hip Hop Museum, pioneers in preserving hip-hop’s cultural legacy. With four decades of cultural curation, he advocates for its transformative influence. Raised in the Bronx, his love for hip-hop led him to found The Hip Hop Museum, honoring pioneers and educating. Under his leadership, it’s a global phenomenon known for authentic curation. Rocky also champions social justice, ensuring hip-hop’s legacy thrives for generations.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
The Hip Hop Museum is revolutionizing artistic development with its cutting-edge AI assistant, FlowScholar. Designed to nurture aspiring rap artists, FlowScholar provides personalized guidance to enhance lyrical skills, fostering creativity and originality. Moreover, educators are harnessing its power to inspire students, utilizing its innovative features to encourage self-expression and cultivate a deeper understanding of hip-hop culture. Through FlowScholar, The Hip Hop Museum is empowering both artists and learners to unlock their full potential.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
To the next generation aspiring to break into art and culture: Embrace your uniqueness, refine your skills, and foster meaningful connections within the creative community. Embrace rejection as a stepping-stone, staying resilient and informed about industry trends. Take creative risks, stay true to your vision, and persist in your pursuits. Seek mentorship and remember your passion as the driving force behind your journey. With dedication and authenticity, you’ll carve your path in art and culture.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
New York policymakers can bolster arts and culture by increasing funding for arts programs, supporting artist residencies, and providing affordable studio spaces. They can also advocate for arts education in schools, ensuring access for all students. Streamlining permit processes for public art installations and hosting cultural events can further promote artistic expression. Additionally, incentivizing partnerships between artists and businesses can stimulate economic growth while preserving the city’s rich cultural heritage.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
I am looking forward to seeing “The Wiz” reimagined at the Marquis Theater in New York City next month. The new production looks amazing!

Connie Butler is the director of MoMA PS1, one of New York’s leading contemporary art museums. She previously held key roles at esteemed institutions nationwide, including MOCA Los Angeles, The Museum of Modern Art, and The Hammer Museum. At MoMA PS1, Butler maintains her pioneering curatorial work and leadership in the field of contemporary art.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I’m currently working on an upcoming major exhibition of the polymathic artist Ralph Lemon, also known as the “king of dance in New York,” which opens in November. The opportunity to support his vision of generosity, devotion, Blackness, and joy is an extraordinary opportunity.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Collaborating with artists is incredibly inspiring. I would tell young people that they should be excited about careers in the arts, as there are many different ways to participate. Working in this field is one of the best jobs in the world, and I look forward to coming to work everyday.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
New York stands out as one of the greatest cities for culture in the world. The city government has made it a priority to invest in the arts, and we are hopeful that they will continue to do so. In addition to our world-renowned institutions, artists are also what make this city a cultural hub, and its important policymakers support their work and contributions and do everything possible to keep them here.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
The Charles Gaines performance at MoMA, which is a part of the Grace Wales Bonner — Spirit Movers exhibition. Charles is one our greatest living artists, and the chance to hear him perform as a musician—an important part of his practice—is truly thrilling.

Laura Canty-Samuel is an award winning comedian and four-time Emmy award-nominated writer who uses her keen observation to provide insight into culture and the human condition. As artistic director of New York City’s Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB), Laura uplifts voices and points of view from across the comedic spectrum. She is also proud of the impact of her work at Sesame Workshop, where she wrote the groundbreaking Emmy-nominated short-form piece “Explaining Race”.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I have written a hyper local, NYC-centric, animated comedy pilot script entitled “That Dirty B!” featuring personality types that epitomize New York. It hilariously emphasizes my love for this great city butting up against my not so warm feelings about the cold. Think comedy, meets pigeons, meets gutter ice…I am also developing a live one-woman blue-collar comedy character show. It’s entitled, “Hey, I’m Working Here!”

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
If there is anything else that you can imagine yourself doing, do that. However, if existing in the world of art creation is the air that you breathe, then you must do that and do it with abandon! Study your craft and work relentlessly at it. Most importantly, find your community. Share available opportunities with your peers as it is your peers who will be instrumental in helping your work to be heard and seen.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
Policymakers can recognize the value of arts and culture as community revitalizers and economic drivers, designating arts creation zones throughout the city where artists and their institutions are protected once change, inevitably, begins to take place. Policymakers can advance people first policies by joining in the fight against AI as a replacement for human creators. They can increase arts funding in schools and community programs. NYC is the arts capital of America. Lean into it!

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
Anything featuring comedy! But, tonight I would probably attend an improv comedy class show at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre. I am always thrilled by the joy-filled work being created by the next round of rising UCB comedians in our city!

Tayler Carraway is one half of the duo behind Happy Medium, the city’s first Art’s Club for casual artists. Tayler moved to the city 12 years ago and worked as a buyer in fashion before starting Happy Medium with her husband Rett as a way to incorporate art into their lives. Five years and two locations later, Happy Medium has become a new cultural institution serving up art experiences to both New Yorkers and tourists.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Be brave enough to be terrible. Take a chance, bet on yourself. Arts and culture are the cornerstone of humanity and there’s always room for more leaders in the space.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
Provide free marketing opportunities in public spaces to encourage attendance at arts and cultural events.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
The New York City Ballet! I have always wanted to attend – it looks like such an incredible event in an iconic location.