Diya Vij, currently serving as the vice president of curatorial and arts programs at Powerhouse Arts, has been appointed as the next commissioner of New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), according to sources familiar with the decision. This announcement was made public by The New York Times.
The role of DCA commissioner is pivotal within the city's vibrant arts ecosystem, especially during transitions in mayoral leadership. The DCA stands as the largest municipal arts funder in the United States, supporting over 800 cultural organizations across the five boroughs. The recent election of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose wife is an artist, has heightened interest in this key appointment.
Mamdani praised Vij, describing her as a "visionary and deeply thoughtful leader" who recognizes that art is integral to the city's identity. In November, he initiated discussions on arts and culture by forming a transition committee comprising 28 members, including art dealers, curators, and nonprofit leaders. Vij was among those selected for this influential group.
Before her brief tenure at Powerhouse, Vij was a curator at Creative Time, where she established a gathering space for artists focused on the intersection of art and politics, initiated a fellowship for socially engaged artists, and played a key role in various public art projects. Her previous experience also includes serving as an associate curator of public programs at the High Line.
Vij's connection to the DCA is not new; she worked there for four and a half years as a digital communications manager, where she launched the Public Artists in Residence program and advanced the agency's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
Vij succeeds Laurie Cumbo, who held the commissioner position since March 2022 after a decade-long career with the New York City Council, culminating in her role as Majority Leader.
