Americans for the Arts presents our Annual Leadership Awards as part of the 2021 virtual convening of the Americans for the Arts Annual Convention. These awards recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations committed to enriching their communities through the arts.

Hoong Yee Lee Krakauer is the Executive Director of the Queens Council on the Arts with a lot to say about this work we do as artists and for artists.

“Artists thriving at the centrality of their communities” is Hoong Yee’s vision for the the borough of Queens, renown for being one of the most diverse places in the United States. This work can only be done through trust and the willingness to validate each others’ contributions, one artist, one neighborhood at a time.

Under Hoong Yee’s leadership, artists from over 157 countries are valued and visible in self defined communities, as creative leaders, advocates, and makers.

She has served on many boards and panels including The Writers Room, Tony Bennett’s Exploring the Arts Foundation, and the NYC Mayor’s Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission.

Read more at hoongyee.com, and follow @hoongyeelee on Instagram for a daily cartoon about how to make art, make a difference, and make life amazing for all of us.

The Selina Roberts Ottum Award recognizes an individual working in arts management who has made a meaningful contribution to their local community and who exemplifies extraordinary leadership qualities. Stay tuned for more Leadership Award honoree highlights leading up to the virtual convening!