ARTS ADMINISTRATORS OF COLOR

ARIEL DAVIS

On November 5, AAC had their first, in-person convening in three years. Held at the Eaton in DC, this year’s programming was scaled down to provide artists more time to network, engage and meet. We understand that many conversations and deals happen when people are having a conversation or having a drink at the bar.

We were excited to have Kendall Isadore as the keynote speaker! She is a violinist, educator, singer, songwriter and pianist and onethird of The String Queens.

Another highlight was a Fireside Chat with founder Quanice Floyd and the new executive director, Karla Estela Rivera for a discussion about representation in the arts and the future of AAC.

The Convening is like our family reunion. Everyone is a distant cousin who we haven’t seen in years and we catch up; it isn’t like an ordinary convening.

What is your philosophy on partnership?

Partnership is crucial for AAC. We are a volunteer based organization and we’ve bartered in the past and we've grown due to the generosity of people's time and talents as well as the community. Collaborations are key. Speaking of collaborations, the Cousin’s Regime is a group of like-minded organizations that have forged a partnership with AAC. We ae looking toward Gateway becoming a cousin.

What do you want artists to know about AAC?

If there is someone at a point in their career who wants to go “behind the curtain” to shake things up or wants a seat at the table, I want them to see AAC as a resource and a community.

Learn more at aacnetwork.org