Go to enough museums, concert halls or theatres, and there’s a chance you’ll experience art that reflects the diversity of our city. Step through the “STAFF ONLY” door, however, and that diversity disappears. That’s why Hunter, with the generous assistance of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the support of the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs, has launched a program to prepare members of historically underrepresented groups for leadership in the city’s arts and culture.
Soon 10 Hunter juniors will be picked for the Mellon Arts Fellowship Program. They will have full-time internships next summer at one of the city’s cultural institutions, supported by a $4,200 stipend. Each will be paired with a faculty mentor, and will receive extensive professional development training as well as support for graduate study.
At an October 13 luncheon to announce the fellowships, President Raab was joined by NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl, MA ’83, and Mellon Executive Vice President Mariët Westermann, as well as representatives of the city’s great cultural institutions, from the Guggenheim Museum to Carnegie Hall to the American Ballet Theatre.
After the lunch, Westermann said: “I was delighted by the breadth of organizations in the room and their level of enthusiasm for the program. The Hunter Mellon Arts Fellowship Program is off to a very strong start.”
