FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 2, 2023
CONTACT:
JR Russ (CAH) – [email protected]; 202-615-4059
DC Arts Commission Appoints New Director
(WASHINGTON, DC) The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Aaron Myers as its new Executive Director. Myers, a renowned jazz vocalist, pianist, educator, and activist, brings a wealth of experience in the arts and a passion for community engagement to his new role. Myers was nominated for appointment by the Commission in February 2023 following an extensive four-month search. The Council of the District of Columbia voted unanimously to confirm his appointment at today’s legislative meeting.
As a DC-based artist, Myers has a deep understanding of the city's cultural landscape and its diverse communities. He has been an active member of the DC arts community for over a decade, serving as the Artist-in-Residence at the Black Fox Lounge, Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, The Eaton and performing at venues across the city. He is the founding Board Chair of the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, serves on the Board of Governors of the DC Recording Academy and has been recognized for his work in arts education.
In addition to his extensive background in the arts, Myers is known for his advocacy for social justice and community engagement. He has served as a community organizer and principle organizer of the DMV Music Stakeholders, a grassroots effort to center relief and resources for members of the music community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the Executive Committee of the DC Branch of the NAACP.
As Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Myers will oversee the agency's efforts to support and promote the arts in the District of Columbia. This includes managing grant programs, public art installations, and cultural events that celebrate the city's vibrant arts scene.
"We are excited to welcome Aaron Myers as the new Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Aaron's passion for the arts and commitment to community engagement make him the ideal person to lead the Commission in its mission to support and promote the arts in the District of Columbia. We look forward to working with him to build a more vibrant and inclusive arts ecosystem in our city,” said Reggie Van Lee, Chair of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
“I am excited to be given the opportunity to serve this community, in this capacity, at this moment, and I thank Chair Van Lee and the commissioners and staff, as well as Chairperson Phil Mendelson and the Council for their confidence and support. I look forward to working together, along with Mayor Muriel Bowser, to meet the moment for our creatives, and to truly reinforce to the world that DC is the District of Creatives, the Creative Capital of this Country,” said Aaron Myers, Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
Myers began working as Acting Executive Director on March 27, 2023. With today’s confirmation vote by the DC Council, he immediately assumes the role as Executive Director. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities looks forward to the energy and vision that Myers will bring to this important role.
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The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities is an independent agency in the District of Columbia government dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts in the District of Columbia. The Commission provides grants, professional development opportunities, and other resources to individual artists and cultural organizations. The Commission also manages a public art collection and oversees a range of cultural events throughout the year.