Power Players in Arts & Culture

Jennifer Ashley Tepper is the creative and programming director of 54 Below, a position she has held for over a decade, curating over 7000 shows. Tepper is co-creator of “If It Only Even Runs A Minute”, conceiver of The Jonathan Larson Project, historian consultant for “tick, tick… BOOM!”, and producer of “Be More Chil”. She has authored four volumes of “The Untold Stories of Broadway” book series. Her other Broadway credits include “[title of show]” and the 2011 revival of “Godspell”.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I have two projects I’ve been working on for many years that are both taking big steps forward in 2024—but they’re not announced quite yet! I can’t wait for more people to know about them soon.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Be the boldest, brightest version of yourself. Take every opportunity you can to learn as much as you can. Make yourself indispensable to the room. Find your tribe. Figure out what kind of balance works for you. Take breaks. Read a lot. Create things at any level you can. Reach out. Expect a hundred “no-s” for every one “yes”. Stay inspired. Accept the show business roller coaster. Keep going.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
New York policymakers can prioritize arts and culture by supporting affordable housing for artists, equitable protections for all citizens, economical real estate provisions for theaters, and initiatives to sustain and develop audiences.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
My frequent collaborator, musical theatre writer Joe Iconis, recently had his show, “The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical” premiere at La Jolla Playhouse. The show now has its eyes on New York, and I wish it was playing tonight so I could see it lighting up a stage in our city already! It’s a galvanizing, inspiring musical that our world desperately needs to see right now.

Tom Viola is the executive director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). Founded in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $350 million for essential services for people living with HIV/AIDS and other critical health issues nationwide. BC/EFA supports the social services of The Entertainment Community Fund (ECF). In 2023, BC/EFA awarded the ECF $7.6 million. BC/EFA awards grants to 450 social service organizations in all 50 states. In 2023, its National Grants Program awarded $9.2 million to these agencies.

Dennis M. Walcott has served as the president and CEO of Queens Public Library since March 2016. He has a long career in education and public service, starting as a kindergarten teacher. He served as chancellor of the New York City public school system and as deputy mayor for education and community development under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. In 2022, Mayor Eric Adams appointed Dennis as chair of the New York City districting commission.

Robert “Bob” Wankel has served as chairman and CEO of The Shubert Organization since July 2020. Mr. Wankel also serves as chairman of The Shubert Foundation, the nation’s largest arts funder dedicated to unrestricted support of not-for-profit theaters and dance companies throughout the United States. He is a native New Yorker and a graduate of St. John’s University. In 2022 he was awarded the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award, a distinction presented annually to a member of the theatre community who has made a substantial contribution of volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service or charitable organizations.

Stephanie Hill Wilchfort joined the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) as director and president in September 2023. Previously, as president and CEO at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, she raised $45 million in operating and capital funding, built several new additions, and strengthened relationships with Central Brooklyn communities. A native Brooklynite who still lives in the borough, Wilchfort has held senior programming, fundraising, and marketing roles at the Tenement Museum, Sesame Workshop, WNYC Radio, and WNET.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
In June, MCNY will open the first major exhibition about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first Black candidate to run for President. Her story is inspiring at any time, but it’s particularly meaningful during this election year. It’s also special for me personally. As a Brooklyn native, I said I’d bring our borough to MCNY when I took the job. It feels wonderful to deliver on this.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
There are many wonderful jobs in the field available right now. You can find your passion in everything from programs and education, to technology, curatorial, collections and more. Try out as many of these roles as you can and see which fits the best. Keep in mind that fundraising is part of every job in arts and culture, so try to gain those skills even if you don’t think that development is your “forever” career.

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
Arts and culture generates $100 billion for New York City and the cultural sector is 13% of the city’s economy. Funding our field offers an incredible return on investment for the government – it’s literally a money machine. 77% of tourists say they visit the city for cultural institutions. Not only should funding for arts and culture be secure, it should be increased to at least 1% of the city budget.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
It’s impossible to choose just one! The Es Devlin show at the Cooper Hewitt and Giants at Brooklyn Museum are both on my list for the next few weeks. I’m also eager to see “A Union of Hope: 1869,” the new tour at the Tenement Museum about a Black family who made their home on the Lower East Side in the 1860s and 1870s.

Patrick Willingham serves as the executive director of The Public Theater, a nationally recognized cultural institution, most well-known for the esteemed Free Shakespeare in the Park program. Patrick has received Tony Awards for Best Musical for “Fun Home” and “Hamilton.” Prior to joining The Public, Patrick Willingham partnered with the founders of Blue Man Group. 

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
The Public is deeply committed to increasing access to theater and the arts – and removing as many barriers as possible to anyone who wants to experience it. In the fall, we announced the launch of a $150 million capital campaign to revitalize the historic Delacorte Theater and to build the Fund for Free Theater. The Fund is being established to ensure that Free Shakespeare in the Park and all of our other many free theatrical offerings will always be available for the people of the city of New York.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
One of the greatest aspects about arts and culture – especially here in New York – is the opportunity to collaborate with others who share the same passion and interests as you. I encourage anyone who wants to build a career in the arts to reach out, make meaningful connections, show a genuine interest in what your peers are doing and build a robust network. The next generation of arts and cultural leaders are coming up as we speak; you can be a part of it too, if you reach out and start joining the conversation. 

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
Our partners in city, state and federal government have been instrumental in advancing projects like The Delacorte revitalization and helping us make theater more accessible to all. Increased government funding for arts organizations and incentives for collaboration would significantly strengthen our work. More funding allows for expanded outreach and improved accessibility to underserved communities, while collaboration encourages joint initiatives with locally-based organizations to build a stronger, more diverse and impactful culture sector. 

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
I cannot recommend enough going to see “The Ally,” which is currently on at The Public. Written by Itamar Moses, it’s a master class in emotional raw performances and really provokes deep thought and discussion on some of the most significant topics of the day.

Sophie Wright is the executive director at Fotografiska New York, an international photography museum with a mix of world-class art, vibrant cultural programming and exceptional dining in Gramercy Park. She joined Fotografiska in 2022, after having spent 17 years as the global cultural director of Magnum Photo and over 25 years of experience in fine arts. Since then, Wright has led an impressive slate of exhibitions and experimental programming at the museum.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
Since opening our doors in 2019, Fotografiska New York has been dedicated to making international, world-class photography more accessible to New Yorkers and visitors. We recently launched a program called “Second Sundays”, offering $10 admission once a month, in addition to our other discounted admission offers. As we continue to expand our accessibility initiatives, we aim to grow a more conscious global community through the power of photography, art and culture.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
Patience! When I began my career in the world of fine arts, I was advised during an interview that working in this industry was like “hitting your head against a wall until a brick fell off”. More than two decades later, that advice still rings true to a certain degree – it takes time to build up your network and expertise, so be resilient, persistent and flexible (and a bit hard headed).

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
As a relative newcomer to New York City, I will say I’m not an expert on local policy. However, I always advocate for initiatives that support young people wishing to pursue a career in the arts through expanding educational opportunities and mentorship programmes. We need to continue to lift up community-based organizations across all five boroughs and expand infrastructure and resources to create meaningful and impactful experiences for young artists and cultural workers.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
I’ve been meaning to bring my daughter to see a performance of the New York City Ballet since we moved to the city two years ago.

Clara Wu Tsai is a businesswoman, investor, and philanthropist. Wu Tsai is the governor and an owner of the WNBA’s New York Liberty and an owner of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. As vice chair of BSE Global, the teams’ parent company, she oversees all matters relating to fan development, civic and community engagement, and the role Barclays Center plays within Brooklyn.

Jon Yanofsky is a performing arts and nonprofit professional with over 25 years of experience in the field. Before joining the Kupferberg Center For the Arts at Queens College, he served as the director of the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College (2013-18), as well as the director of marketing for Jazz at Lincoln Center (2009-12). Jon also served as the executive director of the Paramount Center for the Arts (2003-09), where he led the organization through a successful rebuilding effort as well as a capital renovation campaign. He received his B.A. from the University of California at Santa Cruz, graduating with honors with a double major in sociology and African American studies.

Mia Yoo was mentored by La MaMa founder, Ellen Stewart. She has been artistic director since 2011. Mia is a member of La MaMa’s Great Jones Repertory since 1995 and has performed in and created work with the company. With La MaMa’s team, Mia has developed initiatives including: La MaMa Kids, Indigenous Collective, and Squirts-New Voices/Queer Performance. These programs support La MaMa’s vision to make art that transcends politics, promotes unity, and amplifies the human spirit.

Is there anything you are working on that you wish more people knew about?
I’m currently working with La MaMa’s Great Jones Rep to create a new work, MEDEA. Coming together with this group of people that represents multiple generations and backgrounds is invigorating for me. Director Zishan Ugurlu’s borderless Tekhne Epic tells the story of Medea, a refugee whose reality is shattered when she learns of her and her children’s looming exile. The production investigates parallels between the myth and the current refugee crisis.

What advice do you have for the next generation of people determined to break into the world of arts and culture?
I have been reading Lao Tzu these days as I question where we are as a global society and what it all means to be doing what we are doing. “Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.”

What can New York policymakers do to support the continued development of arts and culture in the city?
This is a transformative moment. Just as Ellen Stewart saw the need for a countercultural movement that amplified marginalized/nontraditional artists, we see the need for new models of cultural connectivity. We feel the energy and urgency of the artists. In response, we launched our Radical Access Initiative, removing barriers and transforming communities through the arts. Policy makers must understand the role arts and culture play in the city’s ecosystem and take action to increase support.

If you could attend any event, show, or exhibit in the city tonight, what would it be and why?
I would love to go to the new section of the Natural History Museum, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation, with my daughter. I haven’t been able to get there yet. This museum has been my daughter’s favorite. She has always been fascinated by the sciences and so going to the museum has been a special outing for the family.