#United States #New York #Deana Haggag #Mellon Foundation #Arts Leadership

Deana Haggag Appointed as Program Director for the Arts at the Mellon Foundation

In a significant move for the arts sector, the Mellon Foundation has announced that Deana Haggag, a celebrated figure in the arts community, will assume the role of Program Director for Arts and Culture starting January 1, 2025. This appointment marks a crucial step in the Foundation's commitment to supporting and advancing the arts in the United States.

Haggag takes over from Emil J. Kang, who has successfully led the Foundation's arts initiatives and will step down at the end of this year. With her extensive experience and robust advocacy for artists, Haggag is expected to further enhance the Foundation's mission to nurture artistic talent and resilience within the arts ecosystem.

Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Mellon Foundation, expressed her excitement about Haggag's new role, stating, "Deana is a dynamic, tested leader and an unwavering advocate for artists. Her innovative approach and longstanding relationships within the arts community will be vital for the Foundation's future success."

A Proven Advocate for the Arts

Haggag joined the Mellon Foundation in 2021 as a Program Officer, quickly establishing herself as a driving force behind the Foundation's arts grantmaking strategies. During her time there, she has made transformative contributions, focusing on equitable support for small- and mid-sized arts organizations across the nation. Notably, she has enhanced the Foundation's engagement within literary arts and has been pivotal in addressing challenges faced by disabled artists. Under her guidance, the Foundation successfully introduced numerous new grantees who had previously been overlooked for philanthropic funding.

Prior to her tenure at the Mellon Foundation, Haggag served as the President and CEO of United States Artists, where she led the highly impactful Artist Relief initiative, providing nearly $25 million in emergency support to artists in need. Her history also includes serving as the Executive Director of The Contemporary, a museum in Baltimore known for its innovative programming. Haggag is regarded as a trusted advisor for many organizations and philanthropists passionate about enriching the arts community.

Commitment to Artistic Integrity

In her announcement, Haggag shared her vision for the future: "I am honored to take on this leadership position within Mellon's Arts and Culture program. We are profoundly dedicated to the performing, visual, and literary arts, and to supporting those who recognize the power of culture to impart meaning in our lives. In these challenging times, collaboration and unity will be essential to our mission."

Her academic credentials bolster her expertise, as she holds an MFA in Curatorial Practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art and a BA in Art History and Philosophy from Rutgers University. Haggag is also an active educator, lecturing at prominent institutions like Johns Hopkins University and Towson University, while holding positions on various boards, including MoMA PS1 and the Pillars Fund.

The Mellon Foundation's Ongoing Mission

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the largest supporter of the arts and humanities in the United States, emphasizing the necessity of these fields for personal and societal growth. Since its inception in 1969, the Foundation has championed the belief that art and humanities are central to understanding the human experience. Through comprehensive grant programs, the Foundation aims to facilitate communities that are enriched by imagination and critical discourse, and where the arts can thrive unequivocally.

As Haggag steps into her new role, there is great anticipation that her leadership will propel the Mellon Foundation and its various arts initiatives to new heights, reaffirming the intrinsic value of arts and culture in American society.