Diya Vij Appointed NYC’s New Cultural Commissioner

Diya Vij, vice president of curatorial and arts programs at Brooklyn’s nonprofit organization Powerhouse Arts, has been appointed as the new cultural commissioner of New York City. This announcement came after weeks of speculation within the local art community, and was confirmed by the New York Times on February 28, 2024. Vij will take over from Laurie Cumbo, having only joined Powerhouse Arts four months prior.

Vij’s background includes a diverse array of roles that emphasize her community-focused approach to art. She served on Mayor Zohran Mamdani‘s transition team and previously worked at the Department of Cultural Affairs from 2014 to 2019. Her early career began as a curatorial fellow at the Queens Museum in 2010, where she was mentored by Tom Finkelpearl, who later became culture commissioner under former Mayor Bill de Blasio.

In a 2021 podcast interview with Hyperallergic, Vij reflected on her beginnings in the art world, stating, “I feel grateful all the time that it was my entry point into the art world because it was always about understanding how art and community live together.” She added that her work revolves around the idea that “art is everywhere,” highlighting the interconnectedness of artists and various societal movements.

Innovative Leadership and Community Engagement

During her tenure with Finkelpearl, Vij played a significant role in launching the Public Artists in Residence (PAIR) program in 2015, which embedded artists within city agencies for year-long residencies aimed at addressing civic challenges creatively.

At Creative Time, Vij has been at the forefront of projects that fuse art with activism. She led the establishment of the CTHQ, a permanent event space in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, designed as a collaborative hub for artists and activists focused on social and economic justice. She also re-initiated the Creative Time Summit in 2024, after a five-year pause, and facilitated major exhibitions such as the Indigenous-led The World’s UnFair in 2023.

In a statement regarding Vij’s appointment, Mayor Mamdani praised her as a “visionary and deeply thoughtful leader.” He emphasized, “Under Diya’s leadership, we will fight to keep New York a city where artists can afford to live and create, and where every New Yorker, in every borough, can experience the energy and inspiration that makes art possible.”

Vij’s appointment marks a significant shift in the DCLA, reflecting a commitment to enhancing community engagement through the arts. As she steps into this vital role, her vision for a more inclusive and accessible cultural landscape in New York City is expected to resonate throughout the diverse boroughs.

With her extensive experience and community-driven philosophy, Diya Vij is poised to make a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of New York City.