New Haven, Conn. – Aug. 26th, 2024 — The International Festival of Arts & Ideas announced today that Executive Director Shelley Quiala will step down from her role to embrace an exciting new chapter as senior artistic and development strategist, effective Oct. 1. Quiala will pass the torch to Board Chair Reverend Kevin G. Ewing, who will serve as interim director while the board moves forward on a search.
“Leading the International Festival of Arts & Ideas has been a true privilege. As I turn my focus toward my family in Minneapolis, I will be stepping down as executive director. While this decision comes with mixed emotions, I am thrilled to continue contributing in a new strategic way. I look forward to maintaining our strong ties with festival-goers, donors, and sponsors and returning often as we prepare for the festival’s exciting 30th anniversary.”
Quiala guided the festival’s return to live programming after the pandemic, significantly expanded its online presence, and increased annual revenue by 50%. In June 2024, the festival set a new all-time sales record with a Samara Joy concert, surpassing the previous record set in 2005 by nearly 40%. Quiala’s tenure featured a diverse array of globally renowned artists and speakers, including Amy Tan, Wynton Marsalis, Angélique Kidjo, and Jon Secada.
The board of directors expressed deep appreciation for Quiala’s contributions. “We thank Shelley for her outstanding dedication,” said Rev. Kevin G. Ewing. “Her leadership has left an indelible mark on the festival and the communities we serve.” Quiala earned the festival significant recognition, including honors from the NAACP of Greater New Haven, the Jamaican American Connection of Greater New Haven, the Freddy Fixer Parade, and the Gateway Community College Foundation.
Reverend Kevin has been with the Board for 16 years. He holds an M.Div. in Religion and Ethics from Yale Divinity School. Before his current roles, he co-facilitated the Neighborhood Leadership Program for The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and he also founded Baobab Tree Studios, Inc., a digital media content creation service. Reverend Kevin, an ordained priest, most recently served as the Interim Senior Minister at United Church on the Green in New Haven and Associate Minister of Amistad United Church of Christ in Hartford. A 2018 recipient of an Arts Award from the New Haven Arts Council, he continues to work with arts organizations around New Haven.
As the organization finalizes its strategic framework, which will guide future leadership planning, Quiala will continue working closely with the festival to ensure a smooth transition and the successful kickoff of the 30th anniversary year at the annual fundraising gala on Friday, Sept. 6th, at the New Haven Lawn Club. For more information, visit www.artidea.org/gala2024.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS & IDEAS The International Festival of Arts & Ideas (IFAI) is a prominent year-round non-profit organization established in 1996 by Anne Calabresi, Jean Handley, and Roslyn Meyer. Our mission is to curate an internationally acclaimed festival in New Haven by showcasing world-class artists, thinkers, and leaders while embracing diversity, building community, and advancing economic development. Among our programs are the Festival Fellowship Program, the Visionary Leadership Award, the Neighborhood Festivals, NEA Big Read, the Rhythm Exchanges Series, and the summer program that runs every June. More than 80% of the events are free to the public, ensuring inclusivity and broad community engagement. Learn more at artidea.org.
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