Harold Steward Named Chair of TCG Board
“It is our joy to welcome Harold Steward to the role of board chair at a time of both challenge and opportunity. Their perspective as a cultural strategist, theatre leader, and now funder will be invaluable as we meet this moment of crisis and chrysalis for our theatre ecology,” TCG executive director and CEO Teresa Eyring said in a statement.
The New England Foundation for the Arts Names Harold Steward as Next Executive Director
“We are delighted to have Harold join NEFA in this role,” said NEFA board chair John Henry. “Their wealth of experience in the arts, cultural equity, leadership, strategy, and fundraising is essential to further NEFA’s mission to invest in artists and communities and foster equitable access to the arts. We are excited for the vision and energy that Harold will bring to our programs and services.”
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, TTO’s programming, operations, and capacity have grown over the past three years. “Recent years have required The Theater Offensive to think about regenerative and collective ways to grow and sustain our work. For us, queer regeneration is a reminder that we are a resourceful community and a generous community. Our growth is dependent upon community support and applying pandemic lessons to a radical new vision for queer life and wellness through nature, spirit, art, culture, and community. The Boylston Black Box allows us to continue to fulfill and further that vision through the building of a Queer (Re)Public,” said Harold Steward, TTO Executive Director and Cultural Strategist.
With a $5M Lead Gift From The Mellon Foundation, The Theater Offensive Aims to Build the Largest Theater in the World Owned and Operated by Queer and Trans People of Color
WITH A $3 MILLION TRANSFORMATIVE GIFT FROM MACKENZIE SCOTT AND DAN JEWETT, THE THEATER OFFENSIVE, A BOSTON-BASED QUEER AND TRANS PEOPLE OF COLOR CULTURAL INCUBATOR, ADVANCES EQUITY IN THE THEATER INDUSTRY
Steward, who joined TTO in 2017, has led the organization into a new period of financial stability while creating a unique aesthetic vision for the Company. Steward led the development of a strategic plan that included a model for shared leadership -- integrating existing staff with new vision and voices.
Performing Arts Supporter Ellen Poss made a $1 million gift to support TTO’s new vision and strategic direction.
“From our conversations with stakeholders, staff, and board, it was clear that we needed a new mission and plan that centered racial justice in our efforts to combat homophobia. Racial justice has always been central to TTO’s work but was never expressly stated in its mission. We want to make it clear that eradicating racism is central to our fight to combat homophobia as well,” noted Steward.
Media
Historic New England 2023 Summit Conversation: Living Heritage
Sharon M. Meagher, PhD
Creative Changemaker
Valerie Tutson
Executive Director | Rhode Island Black Storytellers
Harold Steward
Executive Director | New England Foundation for the Arts