Kamilah Forbes will step down as executive producer of The Apollo at the end of the season, concluding a decade of leadership that expanded the Harlem institution’s artistic reach and strengthened its legacy as a center for Black creativity.

Forbes, who will continue in an advisory role through the end of the season, is leaving to pursue independent creative projects for stage and screen. Under her tenure, The Apollo commissioned more than 40 new multidisciplinary works, produced over 10 full productions, and launched programs such as the master artist-in-residence initiative and the [at] The Intersection arts and ideas festival.

Forbes also played a key role in developing The Apollo Stages at the Victoria, a set of purpose-built theaters, and raised $10 million to create the 21st Century Canon Fund, supporting the creation and preservation of new Black work. Landmark projects she commissioned include the theatrical adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me and the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved.

“The Apollo has been a sacred artistic home—an institution that holds the history of so many trailblazing artists while constantly making room for what’s next,” Forbes said. “Over the past decade, I’ve been honored to shape work and celebrate Black artistry in all its complexity and brilliance.”

Michelle Ebanks, president and CEO of The Apollo, praised Forbes’s leadership, saying her “care and artistry have strengthened our programming and deepened our cultural impact at a pivotal moment.”

The Apollo will begin a national search for a new executive producer and artistic director to lead the institution into its next phase as it prepares to reopen its historic theater and enter its next century.

••••• Message Center••••

Follow us on social media: Facebook • Instagram • Threads •  X • Bluesky • Tiktok • Reddit

Looking for news and events beyond NYC? Finding Connecticut and Finding The Hudson Valley have the latest happenings just north of the city!

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Share your New York City experiences on instagram #findingnewyorkcity

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding New York City. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain. 

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code NYC35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding New York City include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops• Pet Treats