Monday, June 6, 2016
The Arts & Business Council of New York (ABC/NY), a non-profit division of Americans for the Arts that fosters creative partnerships between the arts and business communities in New York, today announced the commencement of the Diversity in Arts Leadership internship program. The distinguished summer program places 12 students at host arts organizations throughout New York City.
The Diversity in Arts Leadership was created in 1988 to promote diversity in the arts management field. ABC/NY matches students with host arts organizations and business mentors, who guide the students’ personal and professional growth throughout the summer. Students participate in cultural activities, professional development, and site visits, and stay connected through the program’s alumni network. Arts organizations serving as intern hosts represent a range of disciplines, including music, dance, theater, visual arts, museums, and arts services.
“I am pleased to welcome this diverse group of bright students from across the country to our 27th summer-long gathering of the Diversity in Arts Leadership Internship Program,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “This program creates a pipeline of diverse arts leaders across a variety of arts disciplines and businesses, ensuring that participants gain invaluable exposure to the various fields of future employment. Though almost three decades old, it’s also quite timely—with other diversity in the arts initiatives taking place in the city through the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Ford Foundation, our ABC/NY Diversity in Arts Leadership Intern program will be a key partner in helping cultivate a more representative arts field.”
The program began on Monday, June 6, with a ceremony at Con Edison. Attendees included the 2016 interns, representatives from host arts organizations, business mentors, program funders, ABC/NY and Americans for the Arts staff, and representatives from Con Edison. Frances Resheske, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Con Edison welcomed interns as well as Eddie Torres and Kristin Sakoda, Deputy Commissioners at the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. Each student was introduced and their mentor and organization placement was announced.
The Diversity in Arts Leadership program is made possible through the generous support of Con Edison, which has acted as lead sponsor since 2000. Additional support is provided by the Department of Cultural Affairs and The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation.
The 2016 interns and host organizations can be found here as well as the 2016 class profile. More information about the internship can be found on the program’s FAQs page.
