Philip Himberg, MacDowell’s executive director since June of 2019, announced he would leave his position helming the artist-residency program effective Dec. 31.
According to the announcement from MacDowell, Himberg had been charged by MacDowell’s board of directors to serve as a transitional leader as the residency initiated new programming and policies. The pandemic and renewed social justice movement accelerated many changes, and focused diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility advancements throughout the organization. As a result, Himberg feels the time is right to begin handing over the reins to a successor.
“I will be leaving with a deep appreciation for the transformative idea and inspirational place that is MacDowell and with pride for what we as a team have accomplished in these unimagined years,” stated Himberg. “I have tremendous optimism for the leadership role that MacDowell is poised to continue to play among artist residencies.”
Under his leadership, the MacDowell staff and board of directors began a multiyear effort to embrace the tenets of equity and parity throughout the organization, expanded the program to include Virtual MacDowell, identified new sources of contributed income and examined institutional governance. The board has begun a search for Himberg’s successor, which is being facilitated by Management Consultants for the Arts.
“None of us could have imagined the changes in our world, nor the impact they would have on my personal timeline, but my plan for the remainder of 2022 remains rigorous as does my dedication to the singular world that is MacDowell,” stated Himberg.
“We deeply respect and admire the job Philip has done,” MacDowell Board President Andrew M. Senchak stated. “This was one of the most-challenging periods in MacDowell’s 115-year history, and we are strong er and better prepared for the future because of Philip’s tenure.”
Himberg joined MacDowell after having spent 23 years at the Sundance Institute, where he guided all aspects of its theater program, including the Sundance Institute’s Theatre Labs and satellite residency programs in Massachusetts, Wyoming and Florida, and internationally in Berlin and at several locations in East Africa and North Africa. He is also a playwright and is a former member of the Tony Award Nomination Committee, served as past president of the board of TCG (Theatre Communications Group) and is a trustee of the Kiln Theatre, London. He has taught at NYU/Tisch and the Yale Drama School.