NBAF will reevaluate programming after CEO's departure

Last week, the National Black Arts Festival announced the resignation of CEO and President Neil Barclay to "pursue other opportunities." On the phone this afternoon, NBAF board chair Evern Cooper Epps explained that Barclay will remain in Atlanta to consult for NBAF for a time while trying to broaden his international experience.

According to Epps, NBAF doesn't have anyone immediately in mind to fill the vacancy left by Barclay's departure and stressed the organization's desire to look for his replacement "responsibly not just aggressively."

"As far as a timeline goes, we're right upon the holidays and NBAF was looking at a transition plan and looking at our current business model. And when we look at the next leadership that we bring in, the next leader will need to be mindful of the changing times and conditions," said Epps. "It's a challenging time for art serving organizations. We're grateful for Neil's leadership, but want to balance needs of the organization with opportunities in the community to fulfill our mission."

Epps also noted NBAF's commitment to its year-round education program as the 25-year-old organization considers how to adapt its programming.

"We're looking at building on our strengths and how do we develop and find opportunities not just for the arts program but for the year-round education program? How could we build that program and be more collaborative with our partners and in the schools, more than what most people remember us for, which is the summer festival?" she said.