Transcript: Board President Christine Fisher introduces Executive Director Chiwoniso Kaitano at Medal Day 2024.
Thank you so much, Nell, and good afternoon, everyone. I actually really love this day! It is my second Medal Day as President of the Board of Directors, and I must say this is a celebration of the arts unlike any other I have been to.
At last count, 9,215 artists have come through our doors, all with a desire to take refuge from their lives and the world, to slow down and take advantage of what MacDowell has to offer — space and time in a nurturing environment. Maya Angelou once asked James Baldwin, “Could you stay alive, vital, and productive without your family?” “No way, no way,” he replied. “We have a certain safety because we love each other.” Safety. This is why artists need to be in community with other artists. Because there is something magical about being with someone who knows your truth, because it is also their truth.
I would suggest that another part of safety and family extends beyond the artist – to patrons, the board, and all of you! It means support! And I want to acknowledge the part of our family that makes this whole weekend possible. We have many “family members” here today who deserve our thanks, but I especially want to thank today’s leading sponsors Putnam Foundation, FL Putnam Investment Management Company, and TD Bank. Thank you!
(applause)
I have one other job this afternoon. To introduce our executive director, Chiwoniso Kaitano. I have been President of MacDowell for 14 months and here is what I have learned about the woman I’ve been asked to introduce, and we on the board have given the awesome responsibility of guiding this beloved 117-year-old organization forward into our next century.
Chiwoniso has a huge heart and an unparalleled passion for the arts, which is evident in everything that she does. Her deep love for MacDowell and its mission is truly inspiring, and it's clear that she is not just leading us – she is one of us.
At MacDowell, we have a rich history, a legacy of creativity and excellence, that we hold very, very dear. But what truly sets Chi apart is her remarkable ability to not only honor our past, but keeping a keen eye on the future. She respects where we have been and is constantly envisioning where we can go. Under her leadership, we are proud of our accomplishments and the incredible body of work that has emerged from these sacred grounds, yet we also recognize that our journey is far from over.
In these times, art matters more than ever, for reasons that each of you could eloquently express. Chi embodies this belief with her passion, her commitment, and her grace. As you listen to her today, I encourage you to imagine her vision for not just what we have done, but what we can achieve together.
Chi truly lives by the words of James Baldwin: “The purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been hidden by the answers.” It is an honor to introduce a leader who not only understands these words but lives them every day.
Please join me in welcoming Chiwoniso Kaitano.
(applause)
Visit our Medal Day page for video and photographs of the day.
Read Nell Painter’s welcome to the crowd, describing MacDowell as a creative sanctuary
Read Resident Director David Macy's tribute to former board chairman Robert McNeil
Read curator Nora Halpern’s introduction to Yoko Ono as a loving and enduring force
Read David Newgarden’s acceptance of the 64th Edward MacDowell Medal on behalf of Yoko Ono
