A Fond Farewell: Art Enables Executive Director Transition

5/23/23

Dear Art Enables Supporters and Community Members, 

With mixed emotions, we are writing to inform you that after eight incredible years leading Art Enables, Tony Brunswick has decided to step down as Executive Director to embark on the next phase of his career. We know we speak for the entire Art Enables community when we express our deep appreciation for his exceptional leadership, empathy, and commitment.

Tony’s commitment to Art Enables runs deep. In 2015 he was hired as Executive Director after an extensive search, and under his guidance, the organization has achieved programmatic and operational excellence. Tony oversaw the transformation of Art Enables’ building into the beloved gallery and studio space we all love today. Furthermore, Tony worked tirelessly to navigate the challenges and uncertainties presented by the COVID pandemic. Throughout his tenure, he fostered a culture that centers dignity and compassion for all, particularly for our artists. He also assembled a highly skilled and dedicated team that has elevated Art Enables’ programming to a new level; garnered strong foundation and community support; and built upon and established strong partnerships within the disability and visual art communities. 

Tony leaves Art Enables in a strong position bolstered by a talented and dedicated staff and a firm financial foundation. The organization is well-positioned for a bright and exciting future. We will find time to celebrate Tony in the months ahead. Still, for now, we simply want to thank him for the unwavering dedication and enthusiasm he has shown the organization during his time as Executive Director.

Our first step in finding a new leader was identifying a professional partner to help guide this process. We are pleased to share that Art Enables has retained Good Insight, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit executive search firm with a focus on community organizations in the arts and culture, education, social service, and environmental sectors. The search committee was drawn to Good Insight’s broad experience and understanding of Art Enables’ needs, as well as their deep commitment to advancing equitable hiring practices and anti-racist principles in their search work. Tony’s role with Art Enables will continue until a new leader is selected and comes on board to ensure continuity and care for our artists.  

You can view the role on the Good Insight website and hope you’ll help us share the announcement widely among your networks. Good Insight will receive confidential referrals and inquiries about the role at any time. To that end, you are welcome to email project lead Kate Dykgraaf at kate@good-insight.org.  

If all goes to plan, we will be proudly sharing the news of our next Executive Director by the end of the summer. 

We appreciate your continued support through this transition and beyond and again thank Tony for all he’s done for Art Enables and our artists.

Sincerely, 

Rumbidzai Mufuka, PhD, Board Chair

Laura Starr, Vice Chair and Chair of Search Committee

Thomas Netznik, Treasurer and Search Committee Member

Matt Boyle, Search Committee Member

Marc Dalton, MD, MPH, Search Committee Member