Power Players in Arts & Culture

Melissa Ngan cultivates personal and organizational growth through creative acts and collaborative practices. Currently president and CEO of the American Composers Orchestra (ACO), Melissa was previously founder and CEO of Fifth House Ensemble. She serves on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music, has presented at Opera America, Chamber Music America, and College Music Society, and has consulted with major arts institutions, resulting in bold new directions in civic practice and emerging artist training.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
For over 40 years, ACO has discovered and developed the work of composers who expand the very definition of American orchestral music. Working in partnership with orchestras across the country, we are an accelerator for new music and a gateway for composers to enter the field. Among our programs, CoLABoratory is my favorite – it is an opportunity for composers to develop bold, beautiful ideas that could never happen in a traditional rehearsal process through open, generative workshops with the orchestra over the course of a year.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
First, this is a human-centered business, and relationships are your greatest currency. I would also suggest taking the time to truly understand why you make art personally, and finding the space in your day to sit in stillness and connect with that in an ongoing way, no matter how busy things get day-to-day. For me, it is the belief that creative acts can transform the world.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
I would love to see artists embedded within every sector of the city’s planning and ongoing work, positioned not only to perform and to teach, but to use an artistic lens to address non-arts goals. Artists make meaning, gather research, develop insights, build consensus, create community, help us to see one another and ourselves, cultivate joy, and unlock the creative birthright. These are essential to individual and community transformation.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
This is the most difficult question to answer in NYC because there are so many wonderful things happening every night! For me, any experience that creates wonder and joy is welcome – I love immersive and participatory events, site-specific work, and opportunities to just play. Sensory exhibits, 24-hour drone festivals, silent discos, listening parties, interactive game play – I’m here for it all.

Michael Novak has been artistic director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company since September 2018, chosen by Mr. Taylor to succeed him upon his death. Under Novak’s direction, the company remains one of the world’s premier dance companies, with robust international touring; critically acclaimed programming and commissions; an annual engagement at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; and expansive education and access platforms. He is a proud graduate of Columbia University’s School of General Studies.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
We are in the midst of a major construction project to relocate our headquarters to W. 38th St. By 2025, we will have six new studios there while retaining our two studios downtown. Taylor is poised for the kind of growth that most dance companies can only dream of after their founder’s death. The Taylor School is central to this project. We open the doors to dancers and movers at all levels and all ages.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Take the time to learn the history of your art form: its evolution, power, and impact. Then use that information to understand how to position yourself as a catalyst for creation and change for your generation.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
Arts education in the public schools continues to be underfunded. And while we remain grateful to the private philanthropies that fill in the gap, we know that a truly vibrant public sector prioritizes arts literacy. The Taylor School continues to partner with educators in the public and private sectors to enrich student learning. We would love to see a greater investment from policymakers in dance education and cultural experiences.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
I love to go to Carnegie Hall and hear our partners Orchestra of St. Luke’s play from their ever-expanding repertory. It’s one thing to hear extraordinary musicians in concert. It’s another thing to know them personally, to collaborate together, and to find new ways to elevate the transformative power of music and dance.

Roberta Nusim is the president of the Art Deco Society of New York (ADSNY), a nonprofit advocating for the appreciation, understanding, celebration, documentation, and preservation of Art Deco architecture, design, and culture in New York and around the world. As a native New Yorker with a lifelong interest in architecture and design, Nusim began as an ADSNY volunteer in 2005 and in 2013 assumed the role of President of the Board. Her mission has been to share her passion for New York and its rich cultural history, architecture, and design in all the boroughs by providing innovative programs and resources — for young people to adults, and with native New Yorkers and newcomers alike.

Lisa Phillips has served as the Toby Devan Lewis director of the New Museum since 1999. During her tenure she has dramatically expanded the Museum, its Board, staff, attendance, and budget, and continues to diversify its leadership and audience. Phillips spearheaded and realized the Museum’s first dedicated building in 2007, designed by leading architects SANAA, who subsequently won the Pritzker Prize. In so doing, she established the Museum as a top international cultural destination with a critically acclaimed exhibition program rivaling the best in the world.

Dr. Annie Polland is a public historian, author, and president of the Tenement Museum. Previously, she served as the executive director of the American Jewish Historical Society and vice president of education at the Museum at Eldridge Street. She is the co-author of “Emerging Metropolis: New York Jews in the Age of Immigration,” winner of the 2012 National Jewish Book Award. She received her Ph.D. in history from Columbia University.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
We recently celebrated the opening of a new exhibit, which features the recreated tenement home of a Black family in Civil War-era New York. The breadth of stories we now share speaks to the museum’s evolution and our mission to build a more inclusive American society. Even if you think you’ve been here before, there’s always something new to see. We are also in the early stages of organizing a speaker series on housing policy.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Immerse yourself in the content and the heart of the work, and practice. At the same time, do not lose sight of how you want to connect your work to real people and communities. It’s that interchange between what you practice and study, and what you learn about the broader community that will help you uniquely translate the work and help it come to life.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
Increase funding in the state and city budgets for arts and culture institutions. The proportion of public spending that goes to the city’s cultural sector is a drop in the bucket relative to the critical role these organizations play in making New York a global hub for the arts. Especially when so many organizations are still recovering from the pandemic, ongoing funding support is crucial to sustaining the city’s cultural recovery.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
The Tenement Museum allows you to travel across time to experience the homes of different families who lived in historic tenements. So applying the time-travel dynamic to the question – I’d love to see Ella Fitzgerald perform at Carnegie Hall for her legendary concert in 1973. But without a time-machine…I’m also eager to see the Neue Galerie’s Klimt Landscapes exhibition, with of course a stop at Café Sabarsky!

Alex Poots is the founding chief executive and artistic director of The Shed in New York City. Previously he served as the founding chief executive and artistic director of the Manchester International Festival (2005-2015) and the artistic director of Park Avenue Armory (2012-2015). The Shed, a highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, welcomes innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, building toward a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. Using their flexible infrastructure and operational capabilities, The Shed is able to host performances, exhibitions, events, and gatherings of almost any type in their expansive, multi-use (and shape-shifting) building.

Maureen Reidy has been a leading voice in arts and culture for over 25 years, having held key roles in promoting New York City as a top cultural and tourist destination. She currently serves as president and CEO of The Paley Center for Media, the media industry’s preeminent nonprofit, where her vision and drive has established The Paley Museum as a top destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
The Paley Museum is known for presenting best-in-class public programs featuring the top names in media, entertainment, sports and more. In addition, we have an incredible series of family programs that are both entertaining and educational, including family days that feature screenings, character meet-and-greets, and arts and crafts, as well as the PaleyGX state-of-the-art gaming and VR studio that regularly hosts gaming tournaments and events with some of the top streamers in gaming today.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Seek out volunteer opportunities and internships, as these are excellent ways to learn about the top arts and culture institutions in New York. I’m proud to say at the Paley Center we offer paid summer internship programs for high school and college students that provide an unmatched learning experience for those interested in pursuing careers in media, including opportunities to meet with some of the industry’s top leaders.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
Jerry Seinfeld’s residency at the Beacon Theater! I love Jerry’s wit and humor and he is such a quintessential New Yorker. One of the things I loved most about Seinfeld was how it showcased NY – making the city feel like a main character! At Paley we had the privilege of hosting Jerry in conversation, and visitors to The Paley Museum can view this conversation as well as episodes of Seinfeld in the renowned Paley Archive.

Bennett Rink became executive director in 2013, after holding leadership positions since 1994. He led a $75 million capital campaign creating Alvin Ailey’s home, The Joan Weill Center for Dance; an 18-month 50th anniversary celebration; and the Elaine Wynn and Family Education Wing addition to Ailey’s building – New York’s largest for dance. Ailey extended its reach with performances globally, film projects; and new educational offerings. Mr. Rink has a BFA in theater from Syracuse University.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
Well, of course, if Ailey is performing in NYC, I would have to be there. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be at the Brooklyn Academy of Music June 4-9.

Council Member Carolina Rivera represents communities in Lower Manhattan and the East Side. Through Carlina’s time in office, she has been dedicated to nurturing art, culture, and creativity. Over her tenure, Carlina has secured over $44 million in capital funding for arts organizations. Access to art and culture is linked to wellbeing, improved quality of life, and safer neighborhoods and Carlina looks forward to continued work to bolster the sector and protect vital resources for families.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
One of my top priorities as chair is to restore millions in funding that has put culture in crisis, and to finally raise baseline funding for our cultural institution groups for the first time since 2009. Cultural activity generates $22 billion annually, a return of 99:1 on the $200 million budget for City-funded cultural institutions and investing in arts is one of the best returns we could ask for.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Arts and culture is about creating community, preserving cultural heritage, and telling new stories that move us all forward. If you find yourself drawn toward getting involved in the arts, I encourage you to attend local events, get involved with advocacy organizations, and strengthen your roots in your community to grow.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
As the chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries and member of the speaker’s leadership team and the budget negotiation team, I am uniquely positioned to perform charter-mandated oversight and work in coalition with colleagues in the arts sector. Policymakers must advance a sensible and equitable budget and public policies that lift this important part of our city.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
I would love to go see the Orchid show at New York Botanical Garden, or see “The Ally” currently playing at The Public Theater at Astor Place!

A visionary urban planner and activist, Rebecca Robertson has served as the Adam R. Flatto Founding President and executive producer of Park Avenue Armory since 2006, spearheading the ongoing $215-million revitalization and transformation of the historic Armory building into a nonprofit cultural institution. Under Robertson’s leadership, the Armory has garnered critical and popular acclaim for presenting innovative multidisciplinary artistic programming not possible anywhere else in New York City.