Senior Fellow position granted to ex-BAM leader, Karen Brooks Hopkins, by Mellon Foundation
Karen Brooks Hopkins, a renowned figure in the arts world, has announced her continued focus on the impact of the arts on humanity as she embarks on a new journey with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
After a 36-year tenure at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), which she transformed into one of the world's most distinguished cultural institutions, Hopkins left her post in June 2021. Her departure marked a significant change, but her influence in the arts sector continues to resonate.
Hopkins' leadership at BAM extended beyond the Academy's walls. Under her guidance, the Brooklyn Cultural District was created, fostering a vibrant arts ecosystem in the borough. Her contributions to the cultural landscape of New York City are undeniable.
Following her departure from BAM, Hopkins has taken on new roles. She has been appointed as a senior fellow in residence at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, a prestigious organisation that seeks to strengthen, promote, and defend the contributions of the humanities and arts to human flourishing and the well-being of diverse and democratic societies.
The start date of Hopkins' work at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is September 2021, and her tenure will last until September 2026. The exact nature of her role at the Foundation is not yet clear, but it is known that she will be writing a book about her experiences at BAM and exploring the role of the arts in urban revitalization.
Hopkins' statement about her new position at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation reflects her ongoing commitment to the arts. She expressed that the Foundation is the perfect setting to initiate projects aimed at raising the profile and value of the arts sector.
In addition to her work with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Hopkins continues to participate as a member of the Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment Advisory Board. She is also a member of The Onassis Foundation.
Katy Clark of the Orchestra of St. Luke's replaced Hopkins as the President of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, taking on the responsibility of continuing Hopkins' legacy and steering the Academy forward. The Brooklyn Academy of Music, a significant cultural institution, continues to thrive under new leadership, thanks to the foundation laid by Hopkins over the past three decades.
Hopkins' role at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation encompasses not only education and self-development but also personal growth and career development, as she will be writing a book about her experiences at BAM and exploring the role of the arts in personal growth, urban revitalization, and skills training. In her new position, Hopkins aims to initiate projects that will raise the profile and value of the arts sector, contributing to her ongoing commitment to the arts and their impact on humanity.
