Guild Hall in East Hampton recently announced that award-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman will become the president of the Guild Hall Academy of the Arts. The current president, artist Eric Fischl, will step down after a long and impactful tenure.
The Academy comprises internationally recognized artists who advocate Guild Hall’s mission. Members are resources of talent for Guild Hall’s programs and for mentoring artists-in-residence and younger artists in the community to extend the region’s legacy as one of the country’s most storied art colonies. Guild Hall’s annual Academy of the Arts awards dinner will be celebrated in New York City in April.
We spoke to Stroman to learn more.
Congratulations on your new role as president of Guild Hall’s Academy of the Arts. What inspired you to step into this position?
Thank you! Guild Hall has always been a beacon for creativity and community, especially here on the East End. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many extraordinary artists over the years, and this position feels like a natural extension of my passion for supporting the arts. The Academy of the Arts is a vital institution that fosters innovation and collaboration, and I’m honored to help steer it into an exciting future.
What are your upcoming plans for the Academy of the Arts?
I’m looking forward to building on the incredible foundation laid by those before me. One of my primary goals is to expand our outreach, bringing more young people into the fold and providing opportunities for emerging artists. We’re also exploring new partnerships and programs that celebrate the intersection of different art forms — whether it’s theater, visual arts, music, or beyond. I want the Academy to be a space where creative boundaries are pushed and the next generation of talent is nurtured.
Tell us about this year’s Academy of the Arts awards dinner and the honorees.
This year’s awards dinner is shaping up to be a truly special evening. We’ll be honoring a remarkable group of individuals who have made lasting contributions to the arts. Eric Fischl will receive the Chairman’s Award — an honor made even more special in light of his service to the Academy. During his tenure, he most notably helped found the Guild House Artist-in-Residence program. Arts patron and Guild Hall trustee Linda Lindenbaum will be acknowledged for her many years of support with the Special Award for Leadership and Philanthropy. Each honoree embodies the spirit of creativity, innovation, and excellence the Academy represents. We are also thrilled to have an incredible group of new inductees, including Katie Couric for Communications & Media, Jane Krakowski, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Jeffrey Seller for Performing Arts, Sheree Hovsepian, David Rockwell, and Almond Zigmund for Visual Arts, and Joseph M. Pierce for Literary Arts. I can’t reveal all the details just yet, but I promise it will be a night filled with inspiration, gratitude, and celebration.
What can guests expect from this year’s event, and what are you most looking forward to?
Guests can expect a night of incredible performances, heartfelt speeches, and, of course, some surprises! The awards dinner is not just about celebrating the honorees — it’s also about bringing together artists, supporters, and the wider community to share in the joy of artistic achievement. Personally, I’m most looking forward to seeing the connections and conversations that unfold. The energy in the room is always electric.
What do you love most about the arts culture on the East End?
The East End is such a unique place — it’s where natural beauty and artistic brilliance come together. What I love most is the sense of community here. There’s a real respect and appreciation for the arts, and it’s reflected in the incredible work that’s created and shared. From intimate gallery shows to world-class performances, there’s always something happening that inspires and uplifts. It’s an honor to play a part in that legacy.
