Copyright 2018 ALM
Aaron at a Glance
Aaron L. McKinney is a nationally-recognized Arts Administrator currently serving as General Manager of Hi-ARTS - a leader in the urban arts movement, in New York City . In addition to his current role, Aaron continues to pursue professional endeavors guided by his personal mantra “Aspire to Inspire before you Expire”, purposefully unifying the arts and social justice activism, as shown through his independent producing and consultative work across the performance arts landscape. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University’s theatre program and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Management from California Institute of the Arts. Aaron has also served as Project Manager for the Sankofa Justice & Equity Fund, founded by world-renowned artist and activist, Harry Belafonte, and Producing Associate for 651 ARTS, a pillar of the contemporary black arts community, exemplifying his affinity for the urban arts and social justice activities while solidifying his place in performing arts leadership.
Photo: Michael P. Saunders, At Your Service
For two years, Aaron worked with me as a Producing Director at 651 ARTS. In addition to our professional relationship he is also a mentee. As a rising star in the non profit arts management field, he has exhibited a deep passion for working with artists to fulfill their professional goals and to implement projects. Assisting organizations with becoming sustainable, thriving institutions is his personal objective. Aaron has a tremendous work ethic, a great sense of humor and is an asset to any team or project.
-Shay Wafer, Executive Director, 651 ARTS
Brooklyn, New York
TESTIMONIAL
Shay Wafer
Executive Director
651 ARTS
Scroll over box
to read
Aaron McKinney is a talented and versatile producer, with a rare ability to get along with even the most complex personalities. I have always had the utmost confidence in his decision-making and follow-through, and I count on him for creative solutions to the most complicated projects.
-Carol Bixler, Graduate School Mentor
Valencia, California
TESTIMONIAL
Carol Bixler
Grad School Mentor
California Institute of the Arts
Scroll over box
to read
I was very fortunate to have Aaron as my director for a reading of my play, Joker, at Stella Adler Studio of Acting in 2016. Aaron is very passionate in supporting diverse voices in theatre. He has a great focus on the developmental process of new work, and knows how to ask actors the right question in order to assist the writer with the rewriting. We had a deep and honest table discussion which helped me reflect on not only this play, but my writing as a whole. It has been a truly rewarding experience working with him!
Yilong Liu, Playwright
Manhattan, New York