In a community event held last night, arts funding organization the Knight Foundation announced that Victoria Rogers, executive vice president of the New World Symphony, will join the foundation in the Spring. Rogers will replace Dennis Scholl, the long-time head of the foundation who's singular vision of the arts has shaped Miami for the last six years.
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In an interview with the Miami Herald, Knight Foundation President and CEO Alberto Ibargüen said that Scholl had told him six months ago that he would step down.
"We've had a phenomenal partnership based on mutual respect and admiration. Dennis is amazing for what he knows and admits what he doesn't know," Ibargüen told the paper. "That makes him a fantastic funder when talking about creative people. He's really about respecting the art."
Ibargüen indicated that Rogers was at the top of the Foundation's list.
It's an interesting switch, especially since Scholl is undoubtedly one of the most powerful figures in the Miami arts scene. Rogers will begin the job on May 1, and Scholl will transition to an advisory role. On the switch Scholl told the Herald, "I feel so pleased that the program that I helped build will be overseen by somebody who I respect immensely."
In addition to the change in leadership, Knight also announced $25 million in new grants. The University of Miami's Frost School of Music will receive $7.5 million for a new recital hall. Two museums, PAMM and ICA, will both receive $5 million each to fund new works and exhibitions.
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