JCAL appoints new executives

Leonard Jacobs and Courtney Ffrench will lead the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning in its 50th year.

Photo via JCAL

By Rachel Vick

The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning named two interim executives to permanent leadership positions within the cultural institution this week.

Leonard Jacobs and Courtney Ffrench, former interim leaders of the cultural institution, have been named executive director and artistic director, respectively.

“Leonard and Courtney stepped up together as JCAL’s interim leaders in June 2020—a vulnerable time for all arts groups,” said David Thomas, chairman of the JCAL Board of Directors. “Despite the many challenges posed by COVID and the last two years, our ‘dynamic

duo’ navigated us through, forging a community-focused, inclusive approach to arts and culture

in Southeast Queens.”

The two men played an integral role in the continued operation of JCAL during the pandemic, working to adapt programming and continue serving the community during the unprecedented period.

Flushing-raised Jacobs, who previously served as deputy director, said he is “deeply inspired by the opportunity to rebuild JCAL for a post-pandemic future” and that the two men see “unlimited potential.”

JCAL switched to digital operations during the peak of the pandemic before reopening with in-person and hybrid performances, visual arts and art education for the Jamaica community.

“In 2020, as we hid in our homes, Leonard and I looked at our programs pre-pandemic and saw so many opportunities,” said Ffrench, who was general manager. “Remote at first, then with live audiences, we believe that the right thing to do in this moment, this era, is to place our community first.”

“From art to music to dance to theater, plus education and festivals, we aim for JCAL to be a sustainable cultural force in Southeast Queens,” he added. “Especially after the nightmare of COVID, our community deserves nothing less.”