A&I Announces New Interim Director

New Haven’s International Festival of Arts & Ideas announced in a Monday press release that Shelley Quiala will step down as executive director to take on the role of senior strategist for the arts organization.

Quiala’s transition is effective Oct. 1. Board Chair Reverend Kevin G. Ewing will replace Quiala and serve as interim director until a permanent replacement is found.

Quiala has served as executive director since 2020 and successfully guided the festival’s return to in-person programming, seeing audiences grow back steadily since the pandemic shutdown. She ​“significantly expanded its online presence, and increased annual revenue by 50 percent,” according to Monday’s press release.

Under Quiala’s leadership, renowned artists like ​“Amy Tan, Wynton Marsalis, Angélique Kidjo, and Jon Secada” were brought to New Haven, and this past June’s Samara Joy concert set an all-time sales record for festival programming.

“Leading the International Festival of Arts & Ideas has been a true privilege,” Quiala is quoted as stating in Monday’s press release. ​“As I turn my focus toward my family in Minneapolis, I will be stepping down as executive director. While this decision comes with mixed emotions, I am thrilled to continue contributing in a new strategic way. I look forward to maintaining our strong ties with festival-goers, donors, and sponsors and returning often as we prepare for the festival’s exciting 30th anniversary.”

Ewing — known by many in New Haven as ​“Rev Kev” — has served on the Arts & Ideas board for 16 years. He holds an M.Div. in Religion and Ethics from Yale Divinity School and has worked with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. Ewing ​“most recently served as the Interim Senior Minister at United Church on the Green in New Haven and Associate Minister of Amistad United Church of Christ in Hartford.”

He founded Baobab Tree Studios, Inc., — a recording and video-editing space — and is a 2018 recipient of an Arts Award from the New Haven Arts Council.

“We thank Shelley for her outstanding dedication,” said Ewing. ​“Her leadership has left an indelible mark on the festival and the communities we serve.”

Quiala will continue to work closely with the festival to kick off its 30th anniversary year and ensure a smooth transition of power.