AAC Receives Transformative Gift from MacKenzie Scott; Will Start Strategic Planning
Dear AAC Family and Friends,
Serendipitously, we have been given a transformative gift by MacKenzie Scott that will allow us to deepen our impact and truly support BIPOC arts administrators nationwide. As we embark on our strategic planning period, Arts Administrators of Color Network will be in a position to implement true change in our industry. “This gift could not have arrived at a better time in the life of AAC,” Board Chair Kwinana said, “and we are committed to making sure that we invest these resources in a manner that ensures the sustainability of AAC for years to come.”
Arts Administrators of Color Network is excited to announce that we are embarking on a major strategic planning process. Over the last five years, the organization has:
Built an incredible network of arts administrators and creatives in our Facebook group with over 2,500 members worldwide.
Hosted the only annual convening for and by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals in the arts every year since 2017, reaching up to 500 attendees annually.
Created a year-long, nationwide mentorship program with over 40 participants over the past three years.
Established the Accomplices Leadership Institute (ALI)—which is geared toward white folks in the arts field who are interested in dismantling systems of oppression and racism in their everyday lives and workplaces and ultimately achieving liberation for all.
Set up an Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists & arts administrators impacted by COVID-19 through $200 microgrants.
Curated joyful and graceful spaces to network, decompress, and connect with peers and advocates continuing to fight for equity.
It is now time to step up our game. Currently, AAC is led fully by volunteers. While this model has gotten us far, we are now transitioning to a new phase of development to better serve our artists and arts administrators of color. In order to do this, we have to pause, reflect, and plan.
What does that mean?
In lieu of hosting an Annual Convening this year, AAC will be organizing a virtual Town Hall Meeting where we invite you to share what you want to see from AAC. This event will create a space where feedback, suggestions, and resources are welcomed!
Our fearless leader, Quanice Floyd, will be stepping down as Executive Director this month. “I am thrilled about the future of the organization and have full confidence in the board to continue to set its direction to ensure that AAC is able to accomplish its vision in support of our community,” Floyd shared. AAC’s 14 Board Members led by Chair Anika Kwinana and Executive Board Members will ensure the search for a new executive director and transition in leadership are successful.
We are taking a strategic pause ‒ a demonstration in rest, reflection, and recalibration ‒ something we call on our peers to do when they need it.
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We are humbled by the support and excitement of our AAC family and peers globally. The organization is growing, and we will nurture that growth responsibly and thoughtfully. With that said, we are excited for our future and to continue to build with you!
