Thursday, December 8, 2022

Local Arts Administrator Tapped for National Leaders of Color Fellowship

Emari Vieira-Gunn, Director of Community Engagement at The Grand.
A portion of this post content comes from a press release from the Delaware Division of the Arts...

Delaware Arts Info sends warm congratulations to Emari (Mari) Vieira-Gunn, Director of Community Engagement at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, on being accepted into the National Leaders of Color Fellowship program.

The first cohort of the National Leaders of Color Fellowship (LoCF) program was recently selected, representing 53 leaders from across the United States. The cohort will participate in a strategic leadership development program for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders who are committed to the advancement of cultural equity in the arts that emphasizes policy and data in the arts, leadership, culture of care, and strategic foresight through an advocacy lens. Using a cohort structure, the program, administered by the Western States Arts Federation, emphasizes experiential learning, community building, and service to the field. 

We sat down with Mari to chat about her new appointment and her goals ahead.
 
*Why did you want to be part of this Fellowship?
My initial interest in the fellowship, honestly, stemmed from being encouraged by my
supervisor, Pam Manocchio — Executive Director, Grand Opera House — to apply for the fellowship. After receiving the preliminary information, I quickly learned that the fellowship was focused on creating a space for BIPOC leaders, specifically working in the arts sector, to further develop professionally. 

I believe the intentionality of this fellowship is what truly intrigued me. Having the opportunity to participate in a program, specifically focused on the experiences and professional development of BIPOC leaders in the arts sector was something I deeply saw value in and wanted to be a part of. I feel both humbled and honored to have been accepted as the fellow to represent the First State in this inaugural cohort.

*What does this fellowship entail and what does it mean to you?
This is an eight-month fellowship being held online from October 2022 through May 2023.Having the opportunity to learn and dialogue openly with colleagues and faculty who share similar experiences and/or are able to offer me advice/feedback, is an immensely prodigious opportunity. In the short two months since the program has begun, I feel that I’m more equipped to dialogue and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in our arts-focused work. I am deeply excited about this opportunity to further develop professionally as a millennial, black, female leader in the arts community.

*What are your goals as a member of this Fellowship and how do you see it reflecting in your role at The Grand?
As a member of the fellowship, I hope to further develop my skillset as it relates to being intentional in my work, collaborating with others, and conducting reoccurring analysis on the work we do. One lesson I learned early on from one of my primary school teachers was to “lean into discomfort." Leaning into what initially feels “uncomfortable” has always proven to provide me with deeper understanding and comfort in that I tried something unfamiliar to me and grew because of it.

*What are you focusing on with regard to your new role at The Grand?
In my new role as Director of Community Engagement here at the Grand, I hope to continue the community-focused work that’s already being done and add to it, based on what our community tells us it’s in need of. I feel the best way to serve a body or community of people, is to reach out and ask what the needs are.

*What are your immediate and longer-term professional/personal goals?
My immediate goal is to continue listening. I think it would be less than productive for me to start in this new position and implement change immediately. I plan to continue having discussions with community partners, patrons, members of the community, even those who’ve never stepped foot inside the Grand and discuss what they need from us as an organization.

I think then, long-term, intentional and strategic goals can be developed and implemented. I am confident that we continue the 150+ year legacy of the Grand its work in the Wilmington community and beyond.

3 comments:

  1. Fantastic! I Proud of you Emari!

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  2. Congratulations on you new role!!

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  3. Congratulations to the local arts administrator for their well-deserved recognition in the National Leaders of Color Fellowship, showcasing the importance of diversity and representation in the arts community. Just as baseball caps come in a variety of styles to suit different tastes, this fellowship highlights the diverse talents and perspectives contributing to the cultural landscape."





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