ArtsWatch: New Directors at Washington Ballet, Planet Word and GALA Hispanic
By • January 4, 2024 0 541
The National Building Museum Announces 2023 Vincent Scully Prize Recipient
Artist and social innovator Theaster Gates was awarded The National Building Museum’s annual Vincent Scully Prize in November. The prize, established in 1999, recognizes excellence in practice, scholarship, or criticism in architecture, urban design and historic preservation. Gates’ global practice (rooted in Chicago) translates the complexities of Blackness through sculpture, space theory, land development and sculpture.
Planet Word Gets New Executive Director
Planet Word, the interactive museum of language, has announced a new executive director. Nikki DeJesus Sertsu, who was previously Planet Word’s senior director of exhibits and special projects, joined the organization in 2017. In 2021 and 2022, DeJesus Sertsu managed the creation of Lexicon Lane, a word puzzle themed, escape room like experience. Currently, Sertsu is the head of the Exhibits and Special Projects team, which works to advance Planet Word’s mission-driven visitor experience. Planet Word opened in 2020.
Nikki DeJesus Sertsu, executive director of Planet Word. Photo by Shannon Finney.
D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities Awards Over $26.6 Million in Grants
A variety of arts and humanities projects across all of D.C.’s eight wards will be funded this fiscal year 2024. The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities announced the awarding of 1,025 grants totaling nearly $30 million to individuals and non-profits in the area.
Theresa McCulla Departs Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Theresa McCulla departed the National Museum of American History Nov. 3. She is now the curator of Mars, Incorporated at their corporate headquarters in McLean. During her time there, McCulla worked on the American Brewing History Initiative at the museum. In a farewell letter, she said: “It has been a tremendous honor to research and document the people and histories of American beer and give their stories a home at the Smithsonian.” The American Brewing History Initiative concluded with McCulla’s departure.
The Puppet Co. Has New Executive Director
The Glen Echo Park playhouse The Puppet Co. has welcomed a new executive director. Isabel Dawson relocated to the area from Moline, Illinois, where she was executive director for Genesius Guild, and helped to produce free outdoor classical theatre. “I am so excited to welcome Isabel into the Puppet Co. family,” Artistic Director Elizabeth Dapo said in a press release. “Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and bubbling personality are a great addition to our staff.”
The Washington Ballet Names Edwaard Liang as New Artistic Director
Edwaard Liang has been named The Washington Ballet’s new artistic director. Liang is an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer and administrator who is the fourth artistic director in the company’s history. Liang also is the first person of color to head the organization. He was born in Taiwan and raised in California and began his career with the New York City Ballet. He discovered his passion for choreography while invited by former Czech dancer Jiří Kylián to dance with Nederlands Dans Theater. Liang is an Emmy Award-winner for the short dance film “Vaulted.”
Edwaard Liang. Photo by Chiun-Kai Shih.
Gustavo Ott Becomes GALA Hispanic Theatre’s New Producing Artistic Director
GALA Hispanic Theatre announced that its Board of Directors selected Gustavo Ott as its producing artistic director. Ott, a Venezuelan native, has over 15 years of experience working in the U.S. He most recently served as executive artistic director of Teatro Dallas in Texas. Ott certainly has big shoes to fill: he succeeds the late Hugo Medrano, GALA’s cofounder who led the way for nearly 50 years. Ott will join GALA co-founder and executive director Rebecca Medrano.
Gustavo Ott. Courtesy GALA Hispanic Theatre.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Welcomes New Director of Exhibition Design and Production
Elie Glyn has become The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ (VMFA) new director of exhibition design and production. Glyn was formerly the first assistant director for exhibitions at Harvard Art Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In his new role with the VMFA, Glyn will lead the venue’s exhibition design and production team and add to the museum’s ongoing commitment to exhibit immersive, innovative art experiences.
FVMFA’s new Director of Exhibition Design and Production Elie Glyn. Photo by Sandra Sellars © 2023. Courtesy Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
