Michael Unthank, who started in gorilla theater and a spoken word poetry group in the 70s in an abandoned school building, went on to work with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York State Arts Programs, the Harlem Arts Alliance and the Children’s Art Carnival. A seasoned member of the arts community and veteran arts administrator, he shares his thoughts about the strength of diversity and the power of the arts in bringing people together.

Michael Unthank currently serves as co-chair of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Art Carnival. He has built a career in support of community based artistic expression and development. Through his work as an arts funding executive, as an organizational director, and as an independent consultant, he has provided leadership in the arts to spark special initiatives and partnerships for cultural development with public and private funders, artists and local and regional arts organizations.