PRESIDENT OF JUILLIARD TO STEP DOWN AFTER THREE DECADES
Joseph W. Polisi, the longest-serving president of New York’s Juilliard School, has announced that he will step down in June 2018, after more than three decades at the helm of the institution.
During his tenure, Polisi oversaw a major expansion project that added 40,000 square feet of space to the Irene Diamond Building at Lincoln Center. He also spearheaded the construction of Juilliard’s first dormitory in order to build a greater sense of community among its students.
He expanded the school’s curricular offerings, creating new programs in jazz studies and historical performance as well as a new master of fine arts in drama program. He established the Music Technology Center, which is now the Center for Innovation in the Arts; developed an exchange program with Columbia University and Barnard College; oversaw the development of partnerships with Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera; and strengthened the school’s touring program. The Juilliard Orchestra now performs throughout Asia and Europe.
In 2015, Polisi announced plans for the institution’s expansion into Asia with the Tianjin Juilliard School, which will offer a US-accredited master’s degree. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the facility is slated to open in 2019.
Polisi has authored numerous books and essays, including the book The Artist as Citizen (2005), which outlines his philosophy that the twenty-first-century artist must “be an effective and active advocate for the arts in communities large and small around the globe. These artists must be not only communicative through their art, but also knowledgeable about the intricacies of their society—politically, economically, socially.” China is publishing an edition of the book, which is due to be released this year.
“It has been an immense honor to help lead this distinguished institution in partnership with a motivated and generous board, a brilliant faculty, a dedicated administrative staff, and extraordinary classes of highly talented student artists,” Polisi said. “Juilliard is a place that gives back to our global society by educating new generations of artists who enhance the enduring traditions embodied in the art forms of music, dance, and drama. I know that this important mission will flourish in the time ahead.”
