By Shay Wafer on October 19, 2011

Thirty days ago, I began my tenure as the Executive Director of 651 ARTS. I am as enthusiastic today as the day I received the call that I had been selected. I say with great joy and without hesitation that this is my dream job.  For most of my professional career I have worked with organizations to bring their mission of developing, supporting, producing and presenting performance from the African Diaspora from concept to fruition. What better place to continue my personal legend than 651 ARTS and in Brooklyn? For a native Los Angeles girl, Brooklyn offers a new lifestyle and a fabulous one. On my daily commute, I hear people who look like me speaking French, Spanish, Wolof, Patois and more.  I love looking out my office window and seeing Black people from all over the world. In those moments I think about all the changes in my life that have led to this moment and this place. And I am grateful.

While change presents opportunities and new challenges, change in leadership can be filled with doubts and insecurity. As a member of the 651 ARTS family, you should know that the search process was conducted with integrity, generosity and transparency. The Board of Directors was diligent and thoughtful in their selection process. A wise person once said: “Continuity gives us roots. Change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.”  I’m looking forward to working with the Board to lead 651 ARTS to new heights.
 
Over the upcoming months, I will share our programming ideas for the 2012/2013 season, our 25th anniversary season in 2013/2014, and plans for our future space needs. I’m optimistic about the future of 651 ARTS and the impact we will continue to have on the performing arts field. But we can’t do it alone. You are an essential component of our success. Please spread the word far and wide about our upcoming programs, attend an event and bring a friend, “like” our Facebook page, join our email list and encourage others to do the same.

My three predecessors have left an incredible foundation for me to build upon, especially Georgiana Pickett, who along with a dedicated and capable staff, led the organization during the economic downfall and managed to keep the programming vibrant, fresh and meaningful. At a time when many organizations were relying on the tried and true, 651 ARTS produced a national tour of FLY: Five First Ladies of Dance and launched Live & Outspoken. Both programs were successful and will remain part of our core activities.

I believe in honoring the past while making room for the future, or the principle of sankofa: taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present to make positive progress. Thank you Mikki Shepard, Maurine Knighton and Georgiana; I will take good care of 651 ARTS and our family of artists, board members, community partners, patrons, ticket buyers, volunteers and donors.

I look forward to meeting each of you at an event or in the neighborhood. If you see me, please stop by and say hello.

Shay Wafer
Executive Director

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