
651 ARTS, like many other arts organizations across the nation, has faced many challenges over the past 2 ½ years. We have also faced these challenges while continuing to provide an artistic home for many NYC based artists, offering hybrid programming to/for our community, and planning for our future within the Brooklyn cultural district. I’d like to acknowledge and thank our indefatigable staff, our fantastic suite of consultants, and the mighty family of artists that have helped to steer the organization since the departure of 651 ARTS’s former Executive Director, David Roberts in November.
To that end, it is with immense pleasure that I write to announce that Toya Lillard has been named Interim Executive Director of 651 ARTS! Toya comes to 651 ARTS as a seasoned thought leader, arts administrator, educator, artist and arts activist living and working in Brooklyn, New York. Prior to joining 651 ARTS, Toya was Executive Director of viBe Theater Experience, a Brooklyn-based arts organization that centers the art and lived experiences of Black girls, young women, and gender expansive youth. Toya will serve as Interim Executive Director as 651 ARTS prepares for an exciting next chapter, which includes a search for a permanent Executive Director and moving into our new and first home situated within the L10 Cultural Condominium located at 10 Lafayette. Our space is 12,500 square feet (about twice the area of a basketball court), and will house a black box theater, digital suite, rehearsal studios, conference rooms and administrative offices!
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