05/01/2026
Arts & Culture Day gave our LCR class the opportunity to explore how creativity, collaboration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion drive vibrant communities and economic vitality across the Capital Region. 🎭✨
We started at WMHT Public Media with a behind-the-scenes studio tour, a WEXT radio experience, and an interactive showcase from Hettie Barnhill of the Barnhill Movement Collective. A panel moderated by Jason Benitez—featuring Jean-Remy Monnay, Rae Frazier, Tony Iadicicco, Dr. Ellen McHale, Wei Qin, and Elizabeth Reiss—highlighted how the arts foster belonging and strengthen our region.
After lunch from Caribe Spanish Restaurant and Sports Bar, we experienced cultural performances, including music by Veena and Devesh Chandra of the Dance and Music School of India and performances from Asian Arts New York.
In the afternoon, we headed to Capital Repertory Theatre for a tour and a panel on arts as an economic engine, moderated by Phil Quindara with Debby Goedeke, Maeve McEneny-Johnson, and Melissa Mangini. We also participated in a drumming experience led by Jordan Taylor Hill and heard from Deborah Emmons-Andarawis of Historic Cherry Hill.
We closed with a conversation on Albany and the intersection of arts, culture, and economic development. Moderated by Christian Jones, the panel featured Miriam Weisfeld, Kristen Broschinsky, and Brian L. Jones Photography, who shared perspectives on storytelling, creative spaces, and investment shaping Albany’s future.
Thank you to our speakers, performers, and host organizations for an engaging and impactful experience. ✨
WMHT Public Media | WEXT Radio | Barnhill Movement Collective - BMC | Black Theatre Troupe | Albany Center Gallery| New York Folklore| Asian Arts New York | The Arts Center of the Capital Region | Dance and Music School of India | Capital Repertory Theatre | Discover Albany| Albany Business Review | Historic Cherry Hill
Steering Committee
Karla Jaime-Benitez LCR ’24 | Phil Quindara LCR ’23 | Christian Jones LCR ’25 | Kyla Philbrook LTV ’21