National Sawdust Names Ana De Archuleta Managing Director

Today, the Board of Directors at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, a Brooklyn-based organization that presents and nurtures groundbreaking artists from all genres, has announced Ana De Archuleta as the new Managing Director. She was the Director of Artistic Operations since September 20,21. Co-founder, composer, and artistic director Paola Prestini will be her partners, making National Sawdust a rare New York cultural institution that is led by women. She will work closely with Paola Prestini, co-founder, composer, and artistic director, making National Sawdust the rare New York cultural institution to be led by women.
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We share the same mission to empower and amplify artists with a focus on women and other marginalized groups. It was an honor to be able to take on this role alongside such a talented group. I am looking forward to working with Paola Prestini, the amazing composer, as well as the Board, staff and partners of National Sawdust to further enhance its international reputation. Jill Steinberg, President of National Sawdust Board, says: "I have worked closely with Ana and Kim at National Sawdust, and Ana on the Board of Opera America. I can tell you, unambiguously and based upon first-hand knowledge that National Sawdust found the perfect team to lead the institution into the next phase of its impact, building on the profoundly impactful work that Brian and Paola did.
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Since its inception, I have been associated with the organization. Our future is brighter than ever, and our potential impact has never been greater. We are a small institution and can make big changes in the field. This is because we have the ability to both stay strong and be flexible in times of seismic shifts. We are grateful for everything Brian has done over the years and will be missing his warm, friendly leadership. National Sawdust has named as its Managing Director one the most respected figures in classical music and opera.
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De Archuleta was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She is the founder of A.D.A. Artist Management is the first Latina-owned artist representation company. Her focus has been on identifying and nurturing new talent. Her extensive background in the arts is a key factor in her success as an arts leader.
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She has been involved in all aspects of the performing arts her entire life, including as a dancer, instrumentalist, operatic stage manager and assistant director, an opera chorister, and as a soloist. As a Board Member of Opera America, she is also a co-chair of the Olga Iglesias Project. This project supports and promotes the native lyricists of Puerto Rico. De Archuleta is often sought after as a mentor for resident artists of many performing art organizations. She offers insights into the business side of opera through master classes and one-on-1 consultations. She has also been invited to judge vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.
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Ana is a speaker and workshop facilitator on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the opera business. Her primary goal is to empower artists and arts professionals from the Global Majority. She was President of ADA Artist Management and implemented a career advancement fellowship program for artists who are interested in transitioning into arts management or administration. This helped open doors for those who didn't have the same training. She has been involved with the Olga Iglesias Foundation, Laffont Competition Mexico District and offers her expertise to young Latinx artists who are looking for a path into the arts. As Director of Artistic Operations at National Sawdust since 2021, she worked closely with Nicole Merrit Chari, Programming Director, Senior Curator, and Paola Prestini to present and support a diverse range of artists and productions and to develop and promote partnerships with other top cultural organizations.
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She will now be the institution's Senior Director. Kim Chan is National Sawdust's Head of External Affairs and Deputy Director since October 2019. She will be the Senior Director and responsible for institutional advancement as well as leading the organization's efforts to achieve social impact. This is the first time National Sawdust has established responsibility for its social impact, inclusive, diversity, equity and access work.
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Chan has extensive experience in New York City as a marketer, curator, organizer, presenter, and presenter for a variety of artistic traditions, including poetry, literature, theater, dance, arts education, and music. As a curator and producer, her work has focused on cross-border relationships, freedom of expression, LGBTQ rights and racism. She worked with artists such as Souleymane Koly and Bernice Johnson Reagon. Guillermo Gomez Pena, Toni Blackman and Yo Yo Ma's Silk Road Project. Pomo Afro Homos and Afro Cuba de Matanzas. The Nuyorican Poets. Washington Performing Arts.
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Chan is a member of the MAP Fund's Mid-Atlantic Arts and Ping Chong + Company boards. Chan also served as a volunteer with Make Us Visible NJ. She helped organize advocacy efforts that made New Jersey become the second state to pass legislation requiring Asian American Pacific Island Studies to be taught in K-12 schools. This is an experienced producer based in Brooklyn with more than a decade of experience in producing performances and tours on a variety of scales, including solo recitals, orchestral tours, theatre productions, and ballet tours. Barnes has been involved in many aspects of artist management and booking over the course of his career.
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He was a producer at CAMI Music and managed large-scale orchestral tours. He also coordinated the day to-day logistics and servicing for a variety of classical soloists and conductors. Barnes is also a passionate advocate for new voices on the stage. He co-produced the 2022 world premiere of Memphis Jookin’ the Show with Lil Buck, a new theatrical production.