09/20/2017
Some bittersweet news from the HAF Family!
After 6 years as Executive Director, our co-founder, Neal Ludevig, is moving on.
We can't thank you enough for everything, and wish you well in all of your endeavors. Good luck!
See the full letter from Neal below, or via our latest newsletter here: http://bit.ly/2xmUsY9
"After 6 exceptional years as Executive Director of Harlem Arts Festival (HAF), I have made the difficult decision to move on from my role as Executive Director. This has been an unbelievable experience that has redefined me as a person, has reinforced my love for this wonderful community where I call home, inspired and motivated me at every turn, and taught me an immeasurable amount.
I believe now is the right time to make this important shift. A healthy organization needs to be able to transition from its co-founders to be able to be successful in the long term. HAF is ready for this transition; ready for the next stage of its life, to bring in new blood, for new energy, and new ideas.
In the time since its inception, HAF has gone from 1 flagship program to 4, hosting more than 39 separate events in one year. We’ve grown our board to 15 members from 3, increased our annual budget of $33K to more than $200K, presented more than 200 artists and groups of every discipline, been covered in major media outlets such as the New York Times and ABC, pioneered major partnerships with incredibly established presenting organizations, and grown our fanbase tenfold, all with a nearly all-volunteer staff. Built from just an idea, I never imagined 6 years ago that this was possible. The experience of building HAF to what it is today will guide me in all of my future pursuits.
Since 2010, through HAF I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most unbelievable artists, incredible staff members, volunteers, board members, and community leaders, all of whom helped make public art affordable and accessible in this community. HAF’s work has helped ensure that while a changing community, Harlem maintains its identity, fostering and nurturing local artists that are shaping today’s artistic and political landscape with their work. Many of these artists attribute HAF to providing their first professional performance opportunity, with them going on to performing at some of the world's most iconic stages: The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, being on national television, and more. All of these people that helped make HAF a reality will forever be part of my family, and a part of me.
HAF’s board and staff will take on additional responsibilities during this period of transition, enabling for a smooth and successful transition, one that will continue the organization’s vision across all levels of the organization. HAF’s high quality of programming and commitment to the community is only bound to grow, as it has for the past 6 years. In the past few months we’ve focused on strategic planning, fundraising, and brand positioning. We’re incredibly excited about the future, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, I’m now looking forward to other creative pursuits. My drive is fueled by entrepreneurship and creativity, and I’m excited to find the next project to sink my teeth into, bringing all of my experience from Harlem Arts Festival.
I will always be thankful for the support of our Board, donors, foundations, corporations, staff and volunteers for helping make HAF the incredible resource it has become for the community and its artists. I look forward continuing to serve and support HAF as a member of the Board of Directors capacity as well.
The Board has formed a search committee to find an Executive Director who will continue to push the organization forward. In the meantime, HAF has appointed board member, Logan, as Interim Director, who I know will be able to continue the organization’s wonderful work during this search. I am optimistic that Harlem Arts Festival’s future will enable an even greater impact on those we serve.
I look forward to celebrating all of Harlem Arts Festival’s future successes together!
All my best,
Neal Ludevig
Co-Founder and Board Member
Harlem Arts Festival"
After 6 exceptional years as Executive Director of Harlem Arts Festival (HAF), I have made the difficult decision to move on from my role as Executive Director. This has been an unbelievable experience that has redefined me as a person, has reinforced my love for this wonderful community where I cal...
