A.M. HASSAN Selected as POVA’s First Artist Advisory Board Member

Congratulations POVA artist, A.M. HASSAN, on becoming POVA's first Artist Advisory Board Member!

What is an Artist Advisory Board Member?

Amidst our continued efforts to increase diversity and accessibility "across the board," we have recognized the need to include the voices of our participating artists at the decision-making table. The Artist Advisor position was created to provide participating artists in POVA a platform to offer the Board of Directors insight and feedback about program decisions from the point of view of someone currently participating. While 2020 has been a challenging year, we are encouraged and hopeful with the addition of this position and the potential impact it holds in amplifying voices that are typically ignored.  Our newly-appointed Artist Advisor, A.M. HASSAN, will serve as a non-voting Board Member, alongside other community members on our Advisory Board. Each July, an additional POVA artist will be elected to join the Advisory Board for a maximum of two artists with staggered terms.

Selection Process

Throughout August, nominations for the position were made by staff and artists. Participating artists were able to nominate themselves or others, with consideration of criteria that included consecutive participation for at least two years and a demonstrated previous commitment to POVA programs. Many artists were nominated and the qualified candidates were A.M. HASSAN, Kateri, and Tré Deuce Ronin.  

Following the nomination process, active artists in the Collective voted on their artist representative and A.M. HASSAN won! She has committed to a two-year term on our Advisory Board, during which she will offer valuable insight regarding her experiences in our program. During the nomination process, the following sentiments were shared as reasoning for nominating A.M. HASSAN and we echo these statements in our excitement to have her participate in this new way:

"Active participant across the board, educated, wise, has had great ideas for POVA's growth."

"She is responsive and knowledgeable. She consistently provides insightful feedback when asked and is a great representative for our community. She has also been consistently involved for several years."

If you're interested in learning more about this process, contact our Executive Director, Nicole Minyard at nicole@povertyandthearts.org.