OCTOBER 1, 2023 — SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Dear Friends,
The 2024 International Festival of Arts & Ideas was a landmark year, featuring the triumphant return of our beloved circus programming and the highest-grossing show in Festival history, headlined by the incredible Samara Joy. Our World Refugee Day celebration took center stage with unforgettable concerts by Ukrainian folk quartet Dakha Brakha and Jo. L. & Friends, a juxtaposition of Ukrainian and Haitian musicians that powerfully brought the global refugee experience to life. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s debut under Perry So set the tone for two weeks of remarkable global work, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of New Haven and beyond.
We opened with remarks from NEA Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson and closed with a discussion between Dr. Jason Mancini and NEH Chair Dr. Shelly Lowe on “Turning to the Humanities in Challenging Times.” Our final night featured a blowout concert with Lyrikal in partnership with the Greater New Haven Caribbean Festival.
These are just a few of the highlights from this year’s festival. It was all made possible by our talented staff, dedicated board, and supportive community. As we move through the transitions of the current season, we remain steadfast in our mission and deeply committed to building community through the arts and humanities.
Rev. Kevin Ewing Board Chair
Shelley Quiala Executive Director
ABOUT ARTS & IDEAS
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is a year-round organization that presents an annual celebration of performing arts, lectures, and conversations in New Haven, Connecticut. The Festival convenes leading artists, thought leaders, and innovators from around the world for dynamic public programs to engage, entertain, and inspire a diversity of communities. In 2024, more than 85% of Festival programming was free to the public, including events that feature some of the most influential musical, dance, and theater artists and speakers of our time.
We seek to attract and engage a broad and diverse audience, celebrating and building community and advancing economic development.
As a longtime Connecticut resident, I find that New Haven Arts & Ideas is hands down the best arts event that goes on in Connecticut every year.
— Dan Iacovella, Galvan Foundation
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the unceded lands of the Quinnipiac. While we honor the culture and history of these nations, we also acknowledge that Native people are contemporary artists, writers, scholars, neighbors, and relatives with whom we must be in relationship to live our values fully.
Visit native-land.ca to learn more.
CULTURAL EQUITY COMMITMENT
We acknowledge that the work of racial and cultural equity in the arts is active work. We commit to acknowledging missteps, to reviewing and changing policies, to actively diversifying our board and staff, and to empowering and supporting the leadership of Black and Brown colleagues. We will partner with artists in the global majority to create spaces of truth, joy, and connection.
Learn more at ARTIDEA.ORG/AccountabilityProcess
2024 FESTIVAL: MOVE
NEA BIG READ
The 2024 NEA Big Read at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas celebrated The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui with lively book discussions, Vietnamese block printing workshops, stories of migration, and film screenings. More than 260 people engaged with Arts & Ideas and partnering organizations, anchored by lead partner the New Haven Free Public Library. Thanks to a collaboration with Jenny Heikkila Diaz and the New Haven Public Schools, every high school in the district engaged with the content of the novel. A total of 1100 books were distributed in and around New Haven as a result of this program.
Very happy to see the festival rising again to bring culture, community and happiness together again.
— Festival Attendee 2024
NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVALS
For the 11th consecutive year, we co-created vibrant neighborhood celebrations across New Haven. Each event was tailored to celebrate the unique character of its community through music, dance, art, and food and unified through a commitment to documenting the cultural assets of these diverse communities through a narrative documentary and unique inperson workshops. Special thanks to neighborhood collaborators in Dixwell, the Hill, Newhallville, Fair Haven, Long Wharf, and West Rock/West Hills.
MUSIC & CONCERTS
The Alexander Clark Stage on the New Haven Green was filled with a diverse lineup of concerts that included Celtic fusion band Cécilia, R&B artist Stokley Williams, Afro Pop superstar Dobet Gnahoré, and Brazilian Bossa Nova singer/songwriter Caro Pierotto, a Juneteenth celebration produced by Artsucation and the Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven and more!
Outdoor concerts were complemented by indoor concerts at the Beineke Library, Sprague Hall in collaboration with Yale Choral Artists, and jazz phenom and Grammy winner Samara Joy at College Street Music Hall.
FESTIVAL STAFF | PHOTO: INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS & IDEAS
NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVAL | PHOTO: LANCE LONG
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
Samara Joy was sublime, of course, but it’s also the collective experience of listening to her surrounded by neighbors, friends, community members from all different corners of New Haven!
— Festival Attendee 2024
DANCE, THEATER & CIRCUS
The 2024 Festival dazzled audiences with a bold and eclectic blend of theater, dance, and circus arts. A world premiere of a Shakespearean classic from a Festival favorite captivated hearts, while an interactive, immersive dance story from Italy, complete with stunning video projections, invited the audience into its vibrant world. A dance-theater tribute to Afrodiasporic heritage in the Caribbean honored deep cultural roots, and a Montreal circus company wowed with a fresh, high-flying remix of Romeo and Juliet. These performances explored discovery, identity, love, and the human spirit through breathtaking movement, dialogue, and visual artistry.
IFAI is the opposite of divide. It’s what the country sorely needs. I’m delighted.
— Festival Attendee 2024
IDEAS SERIES
The Ideas Series brought three days of powerful talks and workshops with global leaders.
On June 15, “Environmental Voices” featured bold discussions on climate activism and resilience, highlighted by a dynamic conversation between Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and John Dankosky.
June 22’s “How We Live” tackled loneliness, aging, and happiness, offering fresh insights into improving daily life, culminating with a conversation between Dr. Tama Gendler and Dr. Laurie Santos on the Secrets of Happiness.
June 29, “Intersections in the Arts” brought Shelley Lowe and Jason Mancini together to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of CT Humanities, explore freedom of speech, cultural preservation, and the impact of the National Endowment for the Arts.
CONTRA-TIEMPO’S ¡AZÚCAR! | PHOTO: JUDY SIROTA ROSENTHAL
COMPAGNIA DE’ COLOMBARI’S KING LEAR | PHOTO: PHOTOGRAPHER NAMES
DUEL REALITY AUDIENCE | PHOTO: JUDY SIROTA ROSENTHAL
IDEAS SUMMIT AUDIENCE | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
Three days of inspiration, innovation, and fresh perspectives were further enhanced by a series of Ideas Unleashed – inspiring talks, events and lectures focused on the environment, literature, voting rights, local government and intersection of arts and activism. Topping off the incredible series was a talk with author and illustrator, Amy Tan, at the newly renovated Peabody Museum.
FOOD
Festival attendees enjoyed unique flavors and cultures through the food series! The Appetizer & Dessert Crawl Series at The Shops at Yale delighted foodies with bites and sweets, benefiting the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. The Grand Avenue Gastronomy Tour took guests on a mouthwatering journey through Fair Haven, featuring multicultural eats and local stories. Sherry Pocknett, the first Indigenous James Beard awardee, wowed attendees with her cooking demos and stories of traditional foods, while Empanada Making at Madeline’s Empanaderia had everyone crafting delicious treats and cocktails. A Long Table at Gioia offered a fantastic communal dining experience, and the World Food Bazaar served up global flavors from Senegalese to Afghan cuisines. The Taste of Westville explored two culinary hotspots, and the Fair Haven Public Art and Food Tour mixed vibrant murals
with tasty bites from local favorites. It was a year of unforgettable food, art, and community! Special thanks to our food series sponsor, Tzedakah House!
STORIES
In 2024, New Haven celebrated storytelling and poetry with several standout events. A Night of Poet Laureates featured local and state poets, including Antoinette Brim Bell and Sharmont Influence-Little. Stir the Style: Destination New Haven combined music and storytelling, while DIY StoryCorps offered a workshop and recording session with Saul Fussiner. Finally, PechaKucha: The Best We Could Do wowed audiences with rapid-fire storytelling in the signature 20 slides, 20 seconds format.
SHELLY LOWE & JASON MANCINI | PHOTO: LANCE LONG
SHERRY POCKNETT | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
WORLD FOOD BAZAAR | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
STIR THE STYLE AUDIENCE | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
TOURS
New Haven buzzed with exciting tours and experiences! Bike tours led by Elm City Cycling, Kevin McCarthy, and Black & Brown Soul Cyclists explored the city’s streets, while architecture walks uncovered hidden gems like queer history, murals, and the Amistad exhibit. The Shining Light on Truth tour delved into Yale’s ties to slavery, and Outer Island Family Day offered fun for all ages. Behind-the-scenes tours included the Yale Peabody Museum Renovation and the Whitney Water Treatment Plant. The Coffee Crawl toured the city’s best coffee spots, blending history with brews. Finally, ThaumCATrope Quantum added a quirky, metaphysical twist to the city’s stories!
FILM
At the height of the pandemic, two immigrant filmmakers from Panama and Russia journeyed across America to create America Unfiltered, a powerful film and photo exhibit capturing raw conversations on politics, race, and love. Unveiled at the Yale Art Gallery, with an accompanying exhibit at the Ely Center, this bold project explored empathy and common ground in a divided nation.
It was an unforgettable night of film! The one-nightonly screening of the groundbreaking documentary Farming While Black featured the inspiring Soul Fire Farm founder, Leah Penniman.
Guests were treated to a special welcome from Leah and had the exclusive opportunity to connect with acclaimed director Mark Decena. After the screening, an uplifting conversation with Connecticut-based farmers took place, offering a chance to experience the warmth and hospitality of Connecticut’s Black farming community.
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas High School Fellowship Program gave 21 talented New Haven sophomores, juniors, and seniors an unforgettable, fully funded opportunity to dive deep into the world of the arts! Over the course of a semester, these students were immersed in the excitement of performances, lectures, community engagement, and behind-thescenes production, sharpening their leadership and collaboration skills in real time through the Festival.
Through dynamic weekly seminars at Gateway Community College and hands-on experiences across the arts, the Fellows not only honed their communication and critical thinking abilities but also gained valuable connections and experiences, setting them up for future internships and career opportunities.
BIKE TOUR ATTENDEES | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
LEAH PENNIMAN’S FARMING WHILE BLACK | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
2024 FESTIVAL FELLOWS WITH DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
BEYOND THE FESTIVAL
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP EVENT
We hosted a reimagined evening at our annual Visionary Leadership Event, featuring the extraordinary griot and kora virtuoso, Sona Jobarteh. In partnership with the Yale Schwarzman Center, the event took place at The Underground, where Sona shared both her remarkable music and personal insights.
The evening combined an intimate conversation, where Sona discussed her journey as a pioneering artist and cultural ambassador, with a live performance showcasing her captivating kora melodies. It was an inspiring night of storytelling, music, and artistry that left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Funds raised during the event went towards the Jean Handley Fund, which celebrates trailblazing leaders whose work impacts the world and raises funds to support the Festival’s mission of connecting arts, ideas, and community engagement
KING LEAR CHAMPION CIRCLE
Special thanks to those who supported the world premiere of Compagnia de Colombari’s King Lear! We loved sharing with them the work in progress in two salons throughout the year. Thank you to Deborah Dyett Desir, M.D. and Lisa Stanger for opening up your homes and allowing us to these events.
CIRQUE DU CÉLÉBRATION: ARTS & IDEAS GALA
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas lit up with its Cirque de Celebration Gala, featuring whimsical decor and captivating performances from acrobats, to Bossa Nova music, to giant puppets!
The evening fostered connections among arts enthusiasts and emphasized the vital role of arts and culture in enriching lives and building community. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, supporters and attendees, more than $130,000 was raised in support of the International Festival of Arts & Ideas!
TOM & LIZ SERIOUS FUN(D)
Funds raised supported the return of circus programming to the Festival in honor of former CoDirectors Tom Griggs and Liz Fisher.
SONA JOBARTEH & LUCY NALPATHANCHIL | PHOTO: JOSHUA BIBBEY
KING LEAR SALON EVENT | PHOTO: INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS & IDEAS
ANNE CUBBERLY’S GIANT PUPPETS | PHOTO: JUDY SIROTA ROSENTHAL
RED TROUSER SHOW | PHOTO: LANCE LONG
GORDON GEBALLE ENVIRONMENTAL SERIES
Funds raised supported programming that illuminated the centrality of the natural world in our lives.
In this time of terrifying political trends toward authoritarianism and the disastrous effects of climate change, it was extremely uplifting to learn about the good work happening in communities throughout the nation. Thank you! — Festival Attendee 2024
DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON & JOHN DANKOSKY | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
COPMAGNIA TPO’S ERBA | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COPMANY
MALHAAR’S A REQUIEM FOR WATER | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ARTISTS
FESTIVAL AUDIENCE | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
IMPACT REPORT: FESTIVAL 2024
More than 150 EVENTS
REACH (JANUARY–JUNE 2024)
PRESS: 75 articles about the 2024 Festival
WEBSITE: 360,000+ pageviews
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook Followers up 126%
Instagram Followers up 1,200%
Virtual Views up 6% from 2023
ADVERTISING: 75+ million total impressions
BREAKING RECORDS
HIGHEST GROSSING concert [Samara Joy] in Festival history with a total of $74,497.46
“Thank you Arts & Ideas for bringing this incredible vocalist [Samara Joy] and her talented musicians to New Haven!” — Festival Attendee 2024
More than 85% FREE
10 NIGHTS on the Green
$5.7M
DOWNTOWN NEW HAVEN (JUNE 14-29)
53% INCREASE from Festival 2023
$102.19 AVERAGE spend per person
150 EMPLOYEES (96% based in CT)
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
21 STUDENTS participated in the Arts & Ideas High School Fellowship Program in partnership with CT State Community College at Gateway.
1,100 COPIES of The Best We Could Do distributed for FREE during the NEA Big Read.
OVER 100 VOLUNTEERS engaged with us during the 2024 season.
6 NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVALS were celebrated in partnership with City of New Haven and New Haven’s Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism: Fair Haven, Long Wharf, Newhallville, The Hill, West Hills/West Rock, and Dixwell.
AUDIENCE & ATTENDEES
“I
43,000 IN-PERSON attendees
Visitors from 40+ CT TOWNS
Visitors from 20+ US STATES
Visitors from 10+ COUNTRIES
41,200 VIEWS on YouTube (200+ new subscribers)
73,300 VIEWS on Vimeo
85% OF SURVEYORS rated their Festival experience as a 8.8 or more (out of 10) and would highly recommend it to family or friends.
— Festival Attendee 2024
DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON & JOHN DANKOSKY | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
PHOTO GALLERY
DOBET GNAHORÉ | PHOTO: JUDY SIROTA ROSENTHAL
CÉCILIA AUDIENCE | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
BIBLIOPHILIA X TAPHOPHILIA TOUR ATTENDEES | PHOTO: LANCE LONG
GIOIA LONG TABLE ATTENDEES | PHOTO: JUDY SIROTA ROSENTHAL
CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL AUDIENCE | PHOTO: LANCE LONG
PERRY SO, NEW HAVEN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
HOSPITALITY LOUNGE ATTENDEES | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
MULAN FITNESS ART SCHOOL | PHOTO: LANCE LONG
ERICK RUSSELL & JOHN DANKOSKY | PHOTO: JUDY SIROTA ROSENTHAL
DAKHABRAKHA | PHOTO: JOEL CALLAWAY
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SUPPORTERS
These supporters gave gifts between October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024
FOUNDERS SOCIETY ($2,500+)
Judy and Steve August
Eric and Ethel Berger
Guido and Anne Tyler Calabresi
Alexander Clark
Bob & Priscilla Dannies
Gordon & Shelley Geballe
Alva Greenberg
Kimberly Goff-Crews
William Graustein
Thomas S. Griggs Jr. and Ed Bottomley
Penn and Diane Holsenbeck
David Jaffe
Pat Hall & Gerald Jaynes
Jim Horwitz and Sandy Allison
Diane Krause and Liz Hellwig
Rick and Melanie Mayer
Ruby Melton and Gail McAvay
Roslyn Milstein Meyer and Jerome Meyer
David Paltiel and Stuart Warner
Karen Pritzker-Vlock
Shelley Quiala and Tony Hanson
Barbara Rockenbach & Dan Wilderman
Betsy Sledge
Lisa Stanger and Greg Colodner
Louis and Susan Stone
Family Foundation
Leonardo H. Suzio and John Hansen
Lauren Tagliatela
Christopher Texeira and Phyllis
Cummings-Texeira
PREMIERE CIRCLE ($1,000-$2,499)
Anonymous
Nina Adams and Moreson Kaplan
Janet and Christopher Arterton
Elsie B. Chapman
Candace Barrington and Michael Shea
Bonnie Becker and John Krystal
Claire’s Corner Copia
Karen Clute
Gary Desir & Deborah Dyett Desir
Lauren E Doremus
Lynda E. Rosenfeld and Richard M. Weiss
Toni Dorfman and John Gaddis
Eileen and Andrew Eder
David I. Newton & Ilene Cooke
Helen Kauder and Barry Nalebuff
Kiki and Ted Kennedy, Jr.
The Knight Family
Kalman L. Watsky and Deborah Fried
Elizabeth and Miles Lasater
Ben Ledbetter & Deborah Freedman
Annie Lin & Brendan Woo
Linda K. Lorimer and Charles D. Ellis
Cynthia Mann MD
MaseQua Pina
Alinor Sterling and Steve Mentz
SUPPORTERS CIRCLE
($500-$999)
Anonymous (2)
Bruce Ackerman & Susan Rose-Ackerman
Bruce D. Alexander
Celia Bicknell Ponvert
Jerry Boryca & Tucker Sweitzer
Kathleen and Robert Bradley
Lisa Brandes, Scott McLean & Charles McLean
Gail Brekke and Jim Vlock
Brenner, Saltzman & Wallman LLP
Revered Hiram Brett & Patricia F. Brett, Ed.D.
Cafe George by Paula
Amy Cassello
Mark and Linda Caplan
Tammy Conley & Roselinde Torres
Richard Czekalski
Richard and Barbara Feldman
Liz & John Fisher
Linda and Gary Friedlaender
Reverend Kevin G. Ewing
Kenneth Higgins
AJ Hipius
Karaine Holness
Donald J Logie
Julie & Bill Moore
Fernando J. Muniz
Elizabeth and Dennis Keenan
Maureen and Dwight Lopes
Anne MacClintock and Jerry Mashaw
Marc and Margaret Mann
Frank Mitchell and Michael Morand
Nikki Mueller
Kristen Nwanyanwu
Peace & Love
Martin Pescatore Family Fund
Dr. E. Anthony Petrelli
Leslie Pollack
RJ Julia Booksellers
Robert and Ellen Scalettar
Kerala Snyder
Jack Thomas & Bruce Payne
FESTIVAL FAMILY ($250-$499)
Anonymous
Janis and Harold Attridge
Michael and Robin Texeira Atwater
Sarah B. Greenblatt
Sheilah B. Rostow
Paul and Joanne Bailey
Maya and Larry Bee
Nancy Alexander and Phillip Bernstein
Joe Bertolino and Bil Leipold
Joan Channick
Stocky and Judy Clark
Norman Cole
Jackie Downing
Julie & Jim Drennan
Manmita Dutta
Clifton Edward Graves, Jr. Judge (ret.)
Cathy Edwards and Mike Wishnie
Diane F. Ariker
Yvette G. Hinds
Gillen Powers Family Fund
Lesley and Evan Heller
Terry Jones
Pamela Jordan
Mary Ellen Junda
Jean K. Webb
Christine Kim
Mary L. Pepe
Jean and Nick Lamont
Elizabeth Langhorne and Karsten Harries
Pericles Lewis
Carol and Bob Lyons, Jr.
Michael and Ann Merriam Feinberg
Joanne Meyerowitz
Ellen and Leonard Milstone
Lucy Nalpathanchil
Jennifer Newman
Alan Plattus and Nancy Berliner
Stan and Carroll Possick
Eileen R Becker
Richard and Paula Resch
Christina Santoni
Bruce Seymour
Carmen Shortt
Chris and Frank Silvestri
Dr. Raina Sotsky
Shepard and Marlene Stone
Aaron & Carrie Thompson
David and Lisa Totman
Joseph Tramuta
Layla VanDoren
Karen Wang
The Winokur Family Foundation
Stephen and Rachel Wizner
Greg & Sarah Woo
Zdru Family Fund
FESTIVAL FRIENDS
($100-$249)
Anonymous (3)
Erica Ahlert, MD.
Jeffrey Alexander
Lauren Anderson & Chris Barnard
Bethany & Nick Appleby
Katharine B. Sacks and Joseph C. Huether
Karen Baar
Susan Ball
Amy and Tim Barry
Leslie Blatteau
BLOOM
Janet Brodie and Don Wunderlee
Jim and Martha Brogan
Linda Briggs
Kirby C. Stafford
Elaine Carroll
Carla Chappel
Bitsie Clark
Sue Cohen
Kathy Conway
Jill Cretella
Vicki Crompton
J. Davies & J.L. Scott
Pamela Delerme
Christine DeSavino
Tacey Dietlmeier
Melinda Divicino
Lise Dondy
Scott E. Baylow
Susan E. Bender & Al Klevorick
Dorothea E Brennan
Gerald E. Gaab
Jill E. Martin
Charles E. Warner Jr.
Jane Edwards
Virginia Eicher
Deborah Elkin
Carlah Esdaile-Bragg
Helena Estes
Wendy Evans Kravitz
Kate Ezra and Daniel Headrick
Kirsten Fulda
Thomas Fulton
Gill-Burt Family
Thelma Grant
Heidi Green
The Reverend Bonita Grubbs
William H. and Irene K. Charitable Trust
J. Hoffman Lee
Susan Holahan
Gladys and Sidney Horowitz
Nina Horowitz and Richard Sussman
Melissa Huber
Colette Hughes
Laura J. Morrison
Daniel J Singleton
Kate Hunter and Rich Jacob
Carla Jackson
Blinn and Selby Jacobs
Marcia and Robert Jacoby
Mary Janssen
Rebecca and Keith Johnson
Harvey Kliman and Sandra Stein
Susan and Jonathan D. Katz
Jacqueline Koral
David Lafleur
Gena Lai
Si-hoi Lam
Lindy Lee Gold
Art and Betty Levy
John Lindner
Mark Loeffler and Susan Brady
Tere Luna
Petisia M. Adger
Karyn M. Gilvarg and Eric W. Epstein
C.K. Mackay
Jill Maller
Katherine Marschall
Lori Martin
Mary Anne Mayo & Stephen J Nelson
Virginia and Timothy Millhiser
Randal Morrison
Nikki Mueller
Amy Myers
Brenda Novak
Charles and Dominique O’Connell
Miriam Olsen
Frances Padilla
Zehra Patwa
Lisa Peccini
Pignatello Family Fund
Daniel and Bruni Pizarro
Janice Plaziak
Nicole Pollard
Protopapas Family
Alec Purves
The Honorable William R. Dyson
Faye and Asghar Rastegar
Madeline Ravich and Scott Gaul
Brian & Laura Rebeschi
Kathleen Reilly
Aileen Reynolds and Robert Silverstein
Carolyn Ross-Lee
Robert S. McWilliam, M.D.
Serena Sanjurjo
Cliff Schloss
Rachel Scotch & Josh Rohrbach
Alan Shapiro
Bruce and Pam Simonds
Kerala Snyder
Judy Sparer
Dianne Spence
Harold and Sandra Stern
Harlene Sullivan
Joan Surdukowski
Bruce T Qua
Terri-ann Thompson
Sophie Tworkowski and Peter Schwartz
Wednesday Friendsday Art Night
Walton Wilson
Mary Lou Winnick
Steven Wolfson and Elsa Stone
Christopher Yurkovsky and Deborah McArthur
IN HONOR OF:
All of us!
Colette Hughes
All the parents with young kids!
Annie Lin and Brendan Woo
Elsie S. Blackshear
Carmen Shortt
Eunice C. Blocker
Carla Jackson
Ed Bottomley
John Deming
Lauriann Burt
Gill-Burt Family
Anne Calabresi
Janis and Harold Attridge
COOP High School Students, Teachers & Staff
J. Hoffman Lee
Bobby DellaCamera
Anonymous
Liz Fisher
Amy Cassello
Patrick J. Dunn
Thomas Griggs
Patrick J. Dunn
Tiffany Hopkins
Hameen Family
Shamain McAllister
Manmita Dutta
Roslyn Milstein Meyer
Cynthia Mann MD
Randy and Jan Morrison
Laura J. Morrison
Cara Mulqueen-Teasdale
Cafe George by Paula
Betsy Sledge
Kate Hunter and Rich Jacob
David and Lisa Totman
Shelley Quiala
Cynthia Mann MD
Milda McClain
Young Families Programming
Greg & Sarah Woo
IN MEMORY OF:
Walter Ariker
Diane F. Ariker
Barbara B. Gaab
Gerald E. Gaab
Maggie C Free
Revered Hiram Brett & Patricia F. Brett, Ed.D.
John DiPaola
Toni Dorfman and John Gaddis
Rosemary and Joe Drennan
Julie & Jim Drennan
Nancy Eisenfeld
J. Davies & J.L. Scott
Thomas Griggs Sr.
Lisa Stanger and Greg Colodner
Ed Kaplan
Lisa Peccini
Emalie Mayo
Joan Channick
Charlotte M. Jay
Amy and Tim Barry
Jean M. Handley
Judy Handley Garvey
Wallace C. & Dorothy Qua
Bruce T Qua
William Sledge
Stan and Carroll Possick
Lula Lorene Williams
The Honorable William R. Dyson
JEAN HANDLEY FUND DONORS
In honor of the 14th Visionary Leadership Award
Anonymous
Felicia Charles
Gordon and Shelley Geballe
Penn and Diane Holsenbeck
Brandon Hutchinson
Natalie McClune
Marc and Tanya Michaelson
Roslyn Milstein Meyer and Jerome
Meyer
RJ Julia Booksellers
Mike and Kathy Shonborn
Betsy Sledge
Yale China Association
TOM & LIZ SERIOUS FUN(D) DONORS
Presenting The Red Trouser Show and The 7 Fingers: Duel Reality
Anonymous (5)
Annie Lin and Brendan Woo
Pat Allen
Dana Astmann
Michael and Robin Texeira Atwater
Susan Ball
Candace Barrington and Michael Shea
Elizabeth Braddon
Robert J. and Kathleen G.
Bradley Fund
Brenner, Saltzman & Wallman LLP
Reverend Hiram & Dr. Patricia F. Brett
Jim and Martha Brogan
Dr. William & Mrs. Yulonda Brown
Barbara Bzdyra
Amy Cassello
Elsie B. Chapman
Anne Coates
William Cotrina
Bobby DellaCamera
John Deming
Joel Dodson
Frank Edwin Douglass
Patrick J. Dunn
Shirley Ellis-West
Sam Engelmeier
Sally Esposito
Liz & John Fisher
Gillen Powers Family Fund
Mary Kimbrough Webb Fund
Nathan and Patricia Garland
Clifton Edward Graves, Jr. Judge (ret.)
Thomas S. Griggs Jr. and Ed Bottomley
Alice and Jim Hadler
Steve and Lisa Hamm
Tiffany Hopkins & Katrina Olsen
Bernadette Huang & Geert Rouwenhorst
Yadira Ijeh
Kit Ingui
Jones Family Fund
Pamela Jordan
Mickey Kavanagh
Katrice Kemble and Mike Rebeschi
Mary Lee
Maria Markham and Andrew Putnam
Evelyn Massey
Geraldine Mauhs
Ginger & Stephen May
Milda McClain
Anthony McDonald
Mary Miko
Andrea Miller
CM
Jennifer Newman
David Norman
Roberta Pilette
Stan and Carroll Possick
Protopapas Family
E. Puanani Ford
Lorenzo Pusateri
Shelley Quiala and Tony Hanson
Madeline Ravich and Scott Gaul
Brian & Laura Rebeschi
Richard and Paula Resch
Sheilah B. Rostow
Randi S. Rubin Rodriguez
Barbara and Jim Segaloff
Tom Smith
Kerala Snyder
Dianne Spence
Kirby C. Stafford
Lisa Stanger and Greg Colodner
Spencer Steinke
Laura Sundstrom and Joshua Sloat
Leonardo H. Suzio and John Hansen
Christopher Texeira and Phyllis Cummings-Texeira
Aaron & Carrie Thompson
Tiffany D. Tudder
JS Waznis
Jean K. Webb
Wednesday Friendsday Art Night
James White
David Y
Zdru Family Fund
HONORING
THE 2024 FESTIVAL FELLOWS
Thank you to our Giving Tuesday Donors
Anonymous
Bruce Ackerman & Susan Rose-Ackerman
Michael and Robin Texeira Atwater
Lisa Brandes, Scott McLean & Charles McLean
Barbara Bzdyra
Vicki Crompton
Christopher Texeira and Phyllis Cummings-Texeira
Bobby DellaCamera
Alice Engbith
Kalman L. Watsky and Deborah Fried
Thomas Fulton
Gill-Burt Family
Hameen Family
Rebecca and Keith Johnson
Ellen and John Kemble
Katrice Kemble and Mike Rebeschi
Ben Ledbetter & Deborah Freedman
Tere Luna
C.K. Mackay
Alan Plattus and Nancy Berliner
Saymoukda Vongsay
Annie Lin and Brendan Woo
Greg & Sarah Woo
THANK
YOU TO OUR LEGACY SOCIETY
Elsie B. Chapman
Robert E. W. Eisele *
Louise Endel *
Liz Fisher
Gordon Geballe
Thomas S. Griggs, Jr.
Chad Herzog
Brian Kolbin *
Ruby Melton
Lisa Stanger
Alinor Sterling
Stuart G. Warner
*In grateful memory
Learn more at ARTIDEA.ORG/PlannedGiving
FINANCIAL REPORT
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS
MARQUEE SPONSORS
PROGRAM SPONSORS
KING LEAR CHAMPION CIRCLE
MEDIA PARTNERS
HOSPITALITY PARTNERS
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Artsucation Academy Network
A Broken Umbrella Theatre
Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Compagnia de’ Colombari
CT State Community College Gateway
The Connecticut Mirror
Elm Shakespeare
Freddy Fixer Parade
Humanities Quadrangle at Yale
Juneteenth New Haven
The Legacy Theatre
Long Wharf Theatre
New Haven Free Public Library
New Haven Symphony Orchestra
New Haven Caribbean Heritage Festival
New Haven Chorale
NXTHVN
Yale–China Association
Yale Choral Artists
Yale Conferences & Events
Yale Peabody Museum
MACMILLAN CENTER Program on Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Humanitarian Responses
ARTS & IDEAS STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS
We extend our deepest gratitude to the staff and board members who were involved in the 2024 Festival season. Your hard work and dedication is what this year a success, and we are truly grateful for all that you achieved. Thank you!
ARTIST SERVICES & TRANSPORTATION
Anne Coursey
Artist Services Coordinator
SophieGreenspan
Artist Services Coordinator
Sara Handelman
Hospitality Manager
Lila Kleppner
Hospitality Assistant
Azula Luz
Transportation & Parking Manager
Tyler Redlitz
Artist Services Coordinator
Erik Remec
Driver
Olga Shevelkina
Artist Services & Production Assistant
AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE
Nakia Avila
House Manager
Renee Bennett
House Manager
Pule Brown
House Manager
Keona Marie Gomes
House Manager
John Guillemette
Box Office Lead
Gracy Keirstead
House Management Captain
Sarafinah Kolaski
Box Office Assistant (Salesperson)
Bonnie Moeller
House Manager
Daniel Moran
House Manager
Sofia Schroth-Douma
Box Office Assistant (Salesperson)
Quiana Stanley
Box Office Lead
COMMUNITY IMPACT & EDUCATION
Shamain McAllister
Associate Director of Education & Community Impact
Shannon Miller
Community Impact Coordinator
Terone Montgomery
High School Fellowship Co-Teacher
DEVELOPMENT
Bobby DellaCamera
Development Manager
Kristina Esposito
Donor Relations Associate
David Henry
Director of Development & Communications
Katrice Kemble
Associate Director of Development
Lisa McCree
Development Administrative Assistant
Edward Perley
Corporate Giving Manager
EXECUTIVE, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Melissa Huber
Director of Artistic Planning & Operations (As of May 2024)
Larry Jackson
Finance Specialist
Madeline Miranda
People Generalist
Shelley Quiala
Executive Director
Clifford Schloss
Executive Assistant
Aaron Thompson
Managing Director (As of May 2024)
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Yvette Hicks
Creative Manager
Jenny Medina Morris
OmniCulture Communications
Dajvi Selmani
Graphic Designer & Marketing Assistant
MEDIA
Cliff Baird
Associate Projection Supervisor
Cailin Connors
Camera Operator/Editor
Grace Doyle
Camera Operator/Editor
Dante Haughton
Cinematographer: Ideas Events
Tiffany Hopkins
Media Producer
Duy Le
Camera Operator/Editor
Michael Paddock
Projections Supervisor
PROGRAMMING
Zineb Benchekchou
Company Manager
Erin Ellbogen
Program Administrator
Denise Santisteban
Curator of Tours, Ideas & Storytelling
PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS
Warren Batchelor
Operations Crew
Nicolas Benavides
Carpenter
Emilee Biles
Audio Crew Member
Zane Birks
Operations Crew
Stephanie Burke
Associate Production Manager
Rolanda Burnett
Assistant Production Manager
Bryan Butler
Audio Crew Member
Stefania Calafiore
Production Assistant
Kelsey Carbone
Production Manager
Taijae Carson-Smith
Assistant Stage Manager
Connor Davis
Audio Crew Member
Kevin DeChello
Technical Director
Ethan Deer
Operations Crew
Lucas Dellaporta
Audio Crew Member
Kamden Denomme
Production Assistant
Kino Dick Alvarez
Audio Crew Member
David Difabio
Assistant Technical Director
Hope Ding
Production Stage Manager
Shannon Dodson
Carpenter
Constant Dzah
Audio Crew Member
Gabriela Esposito
Stage Manager
Angel Evans
Operations Crew
Tyler Fitzgerald
Sound Designer
Doron Flake
Operations Crew
Camille Fortin
Production Assistant
Erick Gonzalez
Operations Crew
Sage Grady
Operations Crew
Tyler Hieb
Assistant Lighting Designer
Stephen Jackson
Operations Crew
Hannah Jones
Stage Manager
Peter Jones
Audio Crew Member
Minjae Kim
Audio Crew Member
Kristyn LaPlante
Production Office Manager
Christopher Lubik
Lighting Supervisor
Elisedd McGinley
Production Assistant
Patrick McMillan
Electrics Crew/Electrician
Tamara Morris Thompson
Carpenter
Samuel Ostrove
Audio Crew Member
Elisa Palumbo
Operations Crew
Ross Patterson
Electrics Crew/Electrician
Genevieve Peters
Assistant Stage Manager
Shawn Poellet
Carpenter
John Queenan
Audio Deck Manager
Tojo Rasedoara
Audio Crew Member
Ryleigh Rivas
Assistant Operations Manager
Colleen Rooney
Stage Manager
Sergio Sanchez
Electrics Crew/Electrician
Bryn Scharenberg
Sound Crew
John Simone
Carpenter
Andre Skinner
Operations Crew
Alary Sutherland
Indoor Production Electrician
Alonzo Talley
Operations Manager
Alex Theisen
Assistant Technical Director
Amanda Tozzi
Stage Manager
Marlon Vargas
Carpenter
Carson White
Assistant Indoor Production Electrician
Dara Willmarth
Stage Manager
SECURITY & SAFETY
Damen Cuamatzi
Security Guard
Michael Davis, Jr.
Security Guard
Dorinda Flores
Security Guard
Demetrius Johnson
Security Guard
Joshua Johnson
Security Guard
Peter Lucibelli
Security Guard
Antonio McKnight
Security Guard
Michael Rubino
Security Supervisor
Gary Sirico
First Aid Attendant
James Smith
Security Guard
Mathew Sorensen
Security Guard
Brandon Stewart
Security Guard
Markus Thomas
Security Guard
Kamal Wilson
Security Guard
Keara Wilson
Security Guard
IATSE CREW
Jonathan Bartle
IATSE Crew
Logan Betso
IATSE Crew
JanMichael Capozziello
IATSE Crew
Lorenzo Cardoso
IATSE Crew
Michael Covino
IATSE Crew
Joseph Donohue
IATSE Rigger
Alex Dunn
IATSE Crew
Catherine Edwards
IATSE Rigger
Jason Epps
IATSE Rigger
William Garvey
IATSE Forklift Op
Gregory Goto
IATSE Crew
Charlestone Gourdet
IATSE Rigger
Stephen Havrilla
IATSE Rigger
William Haynes
IATSE Crew
Steven Hopkins
IATSE Crew
Michael Kaplan
IATSE Rigger
Sean Kelley
IATSE Crew
Alfonso Lopez
IATSE Forklift Op
Patrick McKeown
IATSE Forklift Op
Thomas McLoughlin
IATSE Crew
Justin Murphy
IATSE Crew
Randall Musselman
IATSE Crew
Ryan Neuberger
IATSE Rigger
Robert Paternoster Jr.
IATSE Crew
James Shea
IATSE Steward
Jeffrey Smith
IATSE Crew
Justin Snide
IATSE Crew
Robert Staub
IATSE Crew
Russell Van Edsinga
IATSE Crew
Robert Wilkinson
IATSE Crew
Peter Zaccariello
IATSE Crew
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2023-2024 Executive Officers
Rev. Kevin Ewing
Board Chair
Lisa Stanger Vice Chair
Alinor Sterling Vice Chair
Richard Czekalski, MBA
Treasurer
Elizabeth Sledge
Secretary
Anne Tyler Calabresi
Founding Director
Dr. Roslyn Milstein Meyer
Founding Director
Shelley Quiala
Executive Director, ex officio
2023-2024 Members
Candace Barrington
Lorenzo Boyd, Ph.D.
Patricia F. Brett, Ed.D.
Diane Brown
Deborah Dyett Desir, M.D.
Shirley Ellis-West
Kimberly Goff-Crews
Hon. Clifton Graves Jr.
Pat Hall Jaynes, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Annie Lin
Ruby H. Melton
Lucy Nalpathanchil
Risë Nelson
Charles O’Connell
Carolyn Ross-Lee
Michael E. Twitty
Charles E. Warner, Jr.
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Daniel J. Miglio
Gordon Geballe, Ph.D.
View past and present board members at