Taneshia Nash Laird
Taneshia Nash Laird is a dynamic leader dedicated to driving social change and promoting cultural equity. As the inaugural President & CEO of the Greater Roxbury Arts & Cultural Center (GRACC), she is at the forefront of establishing a thriving cultural hub that amplifies the voices of Black and Latinx visual and performing artists. Her vision integrates social justice and economic development, a pioneering approach that is poised to reshape the cultural landscape of Boston, Massachusetts. The center will showcase a rich tapestry of Afrodiasporic theater, dance, cinema, and visual art, marking a significant milestone for the city.
Before assuming her current role, Taneshia served as the President and CEO of Newark Symphony Hall in Newark, NJ, where she successfully breathed new life into the historic performing arts center. Through innovative cultural programming and targeted workforce development initiatives, she revitalized the institution, securing $15 million for its historic preservation. Her efforts specifically aimed to benefit the predominantly Black and Hispanic communities of Newark.
Prior to her tenure at Symphony Hall, Taneshia held the position of executive director at the Arts Council of Princeton and the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts. Notably, she was the first leader of color since the organization's inception in 1967. During her time there, she championed inclusive arts programs, expanded accessibility for diverse age groups and cultures, and initiated a program backed by a family foundation to diversify the teaching artist staff. Under her guidance, the art center's Taplin Gallery was recognized as New Jersey's Favorite Art Gallery annually in the People's Choice awards.