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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
James Ray Rhodes
Christina Cultural Arts Center
James Ray Rhodes leads the Christina Cultural Arts Center, a nearly 80-year- old cultural institution that provides instruction in art, music, dance and theater to underserved populations in Wilmington. Serving more than 2,500 students annually, the CCAC offers one of the only integrated arts and academic programs in Delaware, utilizing the power of arts to promote school success and positive social behavior. Rhodes, who became executive director in 2019, has been
a sought-after leader, chairing the Kingswood Community Center board in Wilmington’s Riverside community.
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Leslie Shaffer
The Delaware Contemporary
Leslie Shaffer came to the 44-year-old Delaware Contemporary, the state’s only contemporary art museum, in 2017 after having led Artspace in New Haven, Conn., and the Contemporary Museum in Baltimore. While she initially led the museum’s programs and public engagement, she was promoted to its top job just two years later. The Contemporary houses seven galleries, 26 artist studios, an auditorium, classroom, and more, offering resources to the community to learn about and practice their
art. Shaffer has also committed the Contemporary to support underrepresented artists through a new DE&I action plan and has exhibited many local artists in recent years.
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Carl Shaw
Wilmington Public Library
Anyone still harboring notions that
a library is a quiet place filled with dusty books hasn’t spent time at
the Wilmington Public Library in recent years – and much of its public transformation is the work of Carl Shaw, assistant director of community engagement and programs. For several years, Shaw has helped organize and book major speaking engagements
at the city library with the likes of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, activist Angela Davis, rappers Rakim and Master P, actress Phylicia Rashad, and more. His efforts helped the Wilmington Public Library to capture the 2022 National Medal of Museum and Library Service, the highest national honor for U.S. libraries.
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Matt Silva
Delaware Theatre Company
Taking the reins from former Executive Director Bud Martin who saved the theater from collapse, Matt Silva is looking to build upon Wilmington’s professional theater company. In his first season, the theater was forced
to replace a planned co-production with a version of “Man of La Mancha,” and found a surprise hit. In his second season at the helm, he’s already held productions of the Broadway classic “Noises Off ” and Layon Gray’s new production “Kings of Harlem.” In the spring of 2024, Delaware Theatre Company will be home to the
world premiere of the new comedy production “The Flatlanders.”
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