Jamaican-born cultural strategist and arts leader Tamara McCaw has been named President of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), one of New York’s most influential cultural institutions. McCaw was unanimously selected by BAM’s Board of Trustees in March 2026 after serving as interim president, marking a historic new chapter for the renowned arts organisation.
What is BAM?
Founded in 1861, BAM is one of the United States’ premier multidisciplinary arts institutions, internationally recognised for its groundbreaking programming in theatre, dance, music, film, and opera. Located in Brooklyn, the institution has long been considered a cultural powerhouse and a major platform for innovative and experimental artistic work.
Over the decades, BAM has hosted some of the world’s most celebrated artists while helping shape New York’s global cultural identity.
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Who is Tamara McCaw?
McCaw brings more than 25 years of experience in cultural programming, civic engagement, and community strategy to the role. Born in Jamaica, she has built a distinguished career in New York’s arts and cultural sector focused on equity, social impact, and public engagement.
Before becoming BAM president, McCaw served as the organisation’s Director of Government and Community Affairs and later became the inaugural Chief Civic Program Officer at The Shed. She is also the founder and partner of Public Assembly LLC, a creative and civic strategy firm focused on building equitable cultural ecosystems and meaningful social impact initiatives.
According to her Public Assembly profile, McCaw’s work centres on “shaping equity-based transformation, just futures, and the next generations in the cultural, creative, and civic sectors.”
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A Historic Appointment
McCaw’s appointment is being widely celebrated as a major moment for Caribbean and Black representation in American arts leadership. After serving as Interim CEO since June 202, she becomes the first woman of colour to lead BAM in its more than 160-year history.
For McCaw, the role is also deeply personal. Having previously worked at BAM earlier in her career, she described the appointment as a “homecoming” and signalled her long-term commitment to the institution.
“I’m a person who is a lifer. I have been here a long time deeply committed to this organization,” she said in a recent interview with Spectrum News NY1, adding that there are “great things ahead” for BAM.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for arts organisations still recovering from the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, changing audience habits, and shifts in philanthropy and funding. Despite those challenges, McCaw believes New York’s cultural institutions must continue working collaboratively to strengthen the wider creative ecosystem.
“What I enjoy is that we have a diverse and rich cultural ecosystem here in New York. I am inspired by my peers across the city,” she said. “What’s good for New York, what’s good for artists, what’s good for communities — we’re all in service of that.”
That collaborative philosophy is central to McCaw’s vision of BAM as a “civic anchor” — one that supports not only artistic excellence, but also the broader cultural and community life of New York City.
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Building a Resilient Future
McCaw says her focus will be on strengthening BAM’s long-term sustainability while expanding accessibility, audience engagement, and educational outreach. She has also stressed the importance of operational resilience and collective advocacy across the arts sector.
Under her leadership, BAM is already seeing renewed momentum, including strong attendance for dance performances, growth in its cinema programming, and expanded public access to its archives and educational spaces through the BAM KBH/L10 Arts and Cultural Center.
“We are focused on building a resilient organization,” McCaw said, pointing to what she described as “a strong season” for BAM. “I am really excited about the momentum this organization is experiencing right now.”
While optimistic about the institution’s future, McCaw made it clear that maintaining BAM’s high standards remains a priority. “BAM really competes with itself. We have a really high standard here and that’s what I am focused on,” she explained.
At the same time, she believes the future of the arts sector depends on institutions supporting one another. “What’s good for one is good for all,” McCaw said, adding that “it’s so important when the sector comes together and does collective advocacy work.”
