Diya Vij, the vice president of curatorial and arts programs at the Brooklyn nonprofit Powerhouse Arts, has been appointed as New York City’s next culture commissioner. The announcement came after weeks of speculation within the local arts community, with the New York Times confirming the news on February 28, 2024. Vij will take over the role at the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) from Laurie Cumbo, a transition occurring just four months after Vij joined Powerhouse Arts.
Vij’s background as a curator is extensive, marked by a commitment to community engagement. She previously worked at the DCLA from 2014 to 2019, where she gained valuable experience that she will bring to her new position. Her career began as a curatorial fellow at the Queens Museum in 2010, under the guidance of Tom Finkelpearl, who later served as culture commissioner under former Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Community-Focused Vision
In a 2021 podcast interview with Hyperallergic, Vij expressed her belief that art and community are intrinsically connected. “I’m always working around the assumption, idea, and understanding that art is everywhere,” she stated. This philosophy has informed her work throughout her career, including her time at Creative Time, where she led the creation of CTHQ, a collaborative space designed for artists and activists focused on social justice issues.
During her tenure at the DCLA, Vij played a crucial role in launching the Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) program in 2015. This initiative placed artists within city agencies for year-long residencies to tackle civic challenges through innovative solutions. Her efforts have consistently aimed at integrating art into the fabric of city life.
Future Directions for New York’s Arts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised Vij’s appointment, describing her as a “visionary and deeply thoughtful leader.” He emphasized that art is essential to New York City, not merely decorative. “Under Diya’s leadership, we will fight to keep New York a city where artists can afford to live and create,” Mamdani stated, highlighting the importance of accessibility to art for all New Yorkers.
Vij’s achievements also include spearheading major projects at Creative Time, such as the Indigenous-led public exhibition The World’s UnFair in 2023 and organizing the Moving Chains: Toward Abolition program on Governor’s Island the same year. Her initiatives reflect a commitment to fostering diverse artistic expressions and addressing social issues through art.
With her extensive experience and community-driven approach, Diya Vij is positioned to lead New York City’s cultural landscape into a new era, ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of the city’s identity. As she steps into this pivotal role, the arts community anticipates how her vision will shape the future of cultural affairs in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
