Atiba Edwards has taken over as president and CEO of Brooklyn Children’s Museum in New York City, following the departure last summer of previous CEO Stephanie Hill Wilchfort.
Founded in 1899 as the world’s first children’s museum, Brooklyn Children’s Museum aims help children learn about science, art and culture in a way that “ignites curiosity, celebrates identity and cultivates joyful learning.”
Edwards has worked at Brooklyn Children’s Museum since 2019, when he joined as COO and executive vice president. During that time he oversaw a rebranding of the museum and spearheaded several new offerings, including ArtRink – a rooftop outdoor ice rink featuring interactive art installations – the launch of a mini golf course and the inauguration of a new auditorium. He began his career as a fixed income research analyst at JPMorgan’s Investment Bank, and is co-founder of FOKUS, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to use the arts to foster community development and connection.
“This appointment is an honour and opportunity,” said Edwards, speaking to Caribbean Life. “Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a place I grew up coming to with my family during my childhood years. It helped shape my experiences, because it is rooted in igniting and kindling curiosity amongst children and, in turn, their families.”
Edwards is focused on driving Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s mission to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion. The museum’s programming is inspired by the energy and diversity of central Brooklyn, said Edwards, explaining that a key part of its vision is to serve and celebrate the local community.
“This is a special place as we champion diversity and bring that to the forefront every month with cultural festivals and public programs that uplift and amplify cultures, so people see themselves celebrated and others learn a rich history that is the fabric of Brooklyn, and, in turn, the world,” he said.
As well as more traditional exhibitions, the museum’s dynamic cultural programming sees it celebrate approximately 12 festivals each year, ranging from Caribbean culture celebrations to Lunar New Year, Eid, Holi, Diwali, Dia de Los Muertos, and Hispanic Heritage Month.
Edwards wants to use his position to ensure that everyone feels welcome at Brooklyn Children’s Museum As part of the museum’s dedication to inclusivity, around 30 per cent of visitors enter for free, said Edwards, and it is involved in a number of partnerships, programmes and outreach efforts.
“This is a place where everyone is welcomed, as play is one of the great democratic equalizers and means of education,” he said.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to deepen already existing partnerships and launch new ones, as we were founded in Crown Heights and remain here among many generations of visitors,” he said. “I want to bring them and all of their children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren into BCM to see all that we have done in the last few years.”
