Tamara McCaw breaks new ground in Brooklyn

Tamara McCaw has made history as the first Jamaica-born individual to lead one of New York City’s most iconic cultural institutions, following her appointment as president of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).

The Brooklyn-based institution announced her appointment recently, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the United States’ most influential performing arts organisations.

In her new role, McCaw will work closely with the board of trustees and senior leadership to shape BAM’s strategic vision and guide the institution into its next chapter. She becomes the organisation’s third president in the past decade.

Her appointment represents a major milestone, placing her among the few Caribbean-born leaders to head a major American arts institution.

“This is a deeply meaningful moment for me both professionally and personally as someone shaped by Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage,” McCaw said in a statement. “I am honoured to lead an institution that has long been a beacon for artistic innovation and inclusion.”

Born and raised in Jamaica, McCaw has frequently credited her upbringing with shaping her appreciation for the arts as a vehicle for storytelling and social connection. Throughout her career, she has championed initiatives that elevate underrepresented voices and bridge cultural divides.

OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

McCaw brings more than 25 years of experience spanning arts administration, philanthropy, and international cultural development. Prior to her appointment, she served for approximately nine months as interim president while a global search was conducted.

She has also held key roles within BAM, including in government affairs and community programming, and was the institution’s inaugural Mikki Shepard Curatorial Fellow. Beyond BAM, she served as co-founder and chief strategist of Public Assembly and as chief civic programme officer at The Shed, advising boards, executive leaders and non-profit teams on strategic planning, governance, organisational design, and programme development.

Looking ahead, McCaw said her focus will be on stabilising the institution while strengthening community engagement and strategic development.

“The future of the arts depends on our ability to connect across cultures and create spaces where every voice can be heard,” she said. “BAM has always been a place where bold ideas thrive, and I look forward to building on that legacy.”

Board members, in announcing her appointment, highlighted her strategic vision and track record of leadership as key factors in her selection, noting that her experience in fostering cross-cultural partnerships aligns with BAM’s long-term priorities.

Her appointment comes at a time when arts institutions across the United States are reimagining their roles, balancing financial stability with broader mandates around accessibility and representation.

Like many cultural organisations, BAM saw a decline in membership and ticket sales during the COVID-19 pandemic though audience attendance has been steadily returning to pre-pandemic levels. In 2025, the institution reported approximately 700,000 visitors and US$15.5 million in ticket revenue.

Founded in 1861, BAM has built a global reputation for presenting groundbreaking works across theatre, dance, music, and film while playing a central role in the cultural revitalisation of Brooklyn.

McCaw’s appointment has been met with strong support within the Caribbean arts community and the diaspora, where it is being viewed as a significant milestone for representation at the highest levels of cultural leadership.

editorial@gleanerjm.com