Juan Souki Joins Mid Atlantic Arts as New Director
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Image: Juan Souki. Credit: Ram Martínez.
Baltimore – October 16, 2023 – The Board of Directors of Mid Atlantic Arts has announced that Juan Souki will join the organization as Executive Director effective November 1, 2023. Juan succeeds Theresa Colvin who retired in May of 2023 after six years as Director.
Juan Souki comes to Mid Atlantic Arts from Odelia Artists where, in his role as Director, he championed innovative, breakthrough programs connecting folk artists with new markets, introducing their work to prominent global presenters through cultural storytelling campaigns. During his tenure, he orchestrated international tours spanning over twenty-five states in the USA and twelve countries around the world, including collaborations with several organizations in the Mid Atlantic region such as The National Council for the Traditional Arts in Virginia, the AfroTaino collective in Pennsylvania, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in Maryland, The Smithsonian Center for folklife and cultural heritage in Washington, D.C., Princeton University Concerts in New Jersey, and globalFEST in New York.
Board chair Romona Riscoe Benson stated, “Juan Souki embodies the Mid Atlantic Arts we are striving for as we build towards a region and nation in which artists and organizations are nurtured and celebrated, communities are part of our listening and learning, and equitable practices are part of our very substance. We are excited for this next step in Mid Atlantic’s journey and look forward to Mid Atlantic’s continued transformation and the change it will bring to our work and for those we partner with.”
On his appointment, Juan said “I feel deeply inspired by the opportunity to join Mid Atlantic Arts, and the community of artists, presenters, and organizations who share the geography of the region. Personally, I am moved by the contrasting heritages and traditions that continue to exist in its territories, and thrilled to be working together with the board, staff, and state agencies to strengthen networks, celebrate regional diversity, and advocate for equitable access to funding during this crucial moment of the world.”
Juan’s past research and advocacy projects honor communities that have illustrated their survival process through transformative arts practices and have resulted in publications by the Taylor and Francis Journal of Theatre and Performance Design, as well as public speaking invitations by the APAP conference in New York City; The Prague Quadrennial in the Czech Republic; The Numoo Artists Development Initiative program at the Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi; and multiple artist mentorship programs across the USA and Canada.
Mid Atlantic Arts worked with Creative Evolutions on a nationwide search process led by a board search committee co-chaired by Romona Riscoe Benson and Mara Manus. Mid Atlantic Arts extends its gratitude to Interim Executive Director Veronique LeMelle for leading the organization during the search process and preparing staff for this leadership transition. Juan can be reached at jsouki@midatlanticarts.org after November 1, 2023.
About Mid Atlantic Arts
Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists, presenters, and organizations through unique programming, grant support, partnerships, and information sharing. Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts is aligned with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. We combine state and federal funding with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to nurture diverse artistic expression while connecting people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond. To learn more about Mid Atlantic Arts visit www.midatlanticarts.org.
Contact:
Karen Newell
Director of External Affairs
Mid Atlantic Arts
karen@midatlanticarts.org
410.539.6656 x104