Putting a new focus on the African diaspora

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, in partnership with The Amistad Center for Art & Culture, has hired Bethani Blake in the newly created position of programs manager for the African diaspora.

In her new role, Blake will deliver creative arts experiences and programs that promote the art, history and culture of the African diaspora through community engagement activities and education. Blake”™s position will be funded by The Amistad Center and serve both institutions, which are located under the same roof at 600 Main St. in Hartford.

Blake comes to Hartford from Columbus, Ohio, where she worked in the curatorial departments at the Wexner Center for the Arts and the Martin Luther King Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex. She began her career in museum work at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City and has a BFA in painting and performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art and Design and brings experience as a practicing artist and educator in museum spaces.

“I not only hope to bridge the gap between the Wadsworth Atheneum and The Amistad Center, but to create robust and supportive programming for the West Indian and Puerto Rican communities in and outside of Hartford,” said Blake. “The urgency regarding the recognition and uplifting of these audiences is my mission as I begin my role as programs manager of the African diaspora.”