The MacDowell Artist Residency has announced Chiwoniso Kaitano as its next executive director, taking over from interim director Philip Himberg in March.
Born in Zimbabwe, Kanitano was previously the director of Girl Be Heard, a nongovernmental organisation that focuses on fostering social change through theatre and performing arts.
Kanitano’s appointment was made, the board outlined, after a wide-ranging search: ‘This change in MacDowell’s leadership follows an intense period of inquiry and innovation throughout the pandemic and recent social justice movements’, MacDowell-board president Andrew M. Senchak said in a statement. Board chair Neil Painter also commented: ‘Chi’s expertise, energetic and collaborative methods of engagement, and inspiring leadership qualities proved irresistible.’
The MacDowell Artist Residency was founded in 1907 by composer Edward MacDowell with musician and philanthropist Marian MacDowell. Over the years, the residency has supported more than eight thousand artists and writers across disciplines – notably sponsoring Audre Lorde’s autobiography Zami (1982), James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room (1956) and Faith Ringgold’s painting.
