PASSING THE TORCH: STARR STAFF UPDATES
We are thrilled to announce and welcome our new Managing Director, Jason Quiñones! At the same time, we bid a very fond farewell to Lucy Jackson, who has been serving as our Interim Producing Director over the last year+. Big cheers and gratitude to them both as the torch is passed!
INTRODUCING JASON QUIÑONES
Jason comes to the Starr from the Nuyorican Poets Cafe where he served as General Manager for over 10 years, running operations for the legendary multicultural and multi-arts institution. Jason has a wealth of experience in long-range financial and organizational planning, strategic planning, and project management. He helped to establish the Cafe's annual Block Party, and continues to be passionate about developing community relationships and initiatives. Jason supports organizations, artists and audiences through creative problem solving, and by fostering trust and positivity. His ongoing commitment to integrity in the arts, arts advocacy and inclusion is deeply rooted in him.
Jason has a Bachelors of Business Administration from Brooklyn College and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Arts Administration from Baruch College. He holds certificates in Arts and Cultural Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania, Non Profit Management from Northwestern University, Fitness For Indoor Place of Assembly Safety Personnel and Fitness for Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor from the NYC Fire Department, and CPR/AED from American Heart Association.
"Born and raised in Spanish Harlem, American Sign Language was my first language. Growing up in a hearing impaired household made me appreciate the value of equity and accessibility, which is something I carry with me today and bring to my work in the arts. In my extra time I love to travel to experience different cultures and get to know people in their own environments. I'm also an avid gamer. I'm a sucker for knowledge and self development, and strive to be a leader in my field, especially since there are traditionally not a lot of Latinx people in executive roles in the arts. I'm very excited to join the Bushwick Starr family and support the work of this organization!" - Jason Quiñones, Managing Director
A FAREWELL TO LUCY JACKSON
Here's the deal. Lucy Jackson stepped in as our Interim Producing Director on March 1, 2020 upon the departure of our dear John Del Gaudio. In case you grazed past that date, it was exactly 11 days before Covid-19 descended upon us and the Starr shut down our live performance season. Lucy, who we knew as a friend and associate through her work as a Producer on our premiere of Heather Christian's Animal Wisdom, accepted the gig thinking she would help see us through the final show of our Season and keep us together as we conducted a search for a permanent replacement. She was meant to be with us until June 30, a mere 4 months. And yet here we are, well over a year later, and we are just now bidding her farewell.
When the pandemic hit, it completely shifted our operation, our priorities, and our needs. Lucy didn't blink-- she stood right by us and deftly navigated the very challenging obstacles and choices we faced, and helped us survive and persevere. She brought expertise and flexibility to the table, and a willingness to jump in and manage the unexpected. She was both a fresh set of eyes when we needed perspective and a close compatriot who felt every gut punch and every success as much as we did, despite her transient position. To say we were lucky to have her during this monumental time period is putting it lightly. To say we are grateful to her for getting us through is not enough.
We bow to this woman who so gracefully swooped in when we were in need, and then stuck it out with us when we ended up being in so much more need than we thought-- for a partner and a friend. Lucy, you have left your mark on the Starr and will forever be a part of our history and our family.
Happy trails, friend. Love,
All of us here at the Starr ❤️