“Emil’s deep and incisive understanding of how artists and leaders can thrive, combined with his unmatched command of institutional structures, and his own pioneering creativity make him a singular force. He has changed the trajectory of my career by teaching me how to manifest the possibility contained within me.”

— Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor and president and general director, Opera Philadelphia

"I started an artist’s residency having zero idea what the nonprofit world was about. Somehow, the ancestors put Emil in my path and he literally saved both me and the organization. I have truly never met someone as knowledgeable, nurturing, patient and excited about his work. Emil guided me through the journey to building a successful organization by helping with everything from proposals to application processes to compliance. He literally exudes encouragement and kindness. I truly have never met someone as deeply committed to nonprofit arts organizations and the people behind them as Emil. I know BFTA and countless other organizations wouldn’t be here without him."

— Jacqueline Woodson, author and founder, Baldwin for the Arts

"Emil (having played every position within the arts, institution, and foundation world) embodies a rare and powerful combination of deep lived experience, genuine care for artists' personhood and labor, and earned trust/street-cred amongst the artists and communities with which he's collaborated throughout his decades long career. At various points along my own journey from artists to arts-administrator, Emil has provided deeply orienting, grounding, and joy re-kindling guidance. Beyond "believing in an artist's vision" -and even beyond connecting artists with resources or potential support- Emil consistently offered highly effective strategy and context analysis for plotting and materializing our most beautiful dreams."

— esperanza spalding, musician and co-founder, PRISMID Sanctuary

"Emil Kang is an uncommon thought partner who fuses fearless artistic vision and practical business sense. His guidance is both imaginative and deeply attuned to the evolving dynamics of the arts ecosystem. Thanks to his partnership, we had the confidence to take risks that will open new pathways for creative and financial growth."

— Kyle Abraham, dancer, choreographer, founder and artistic director and Emily Waters, executive director - AIM by Kyle Abraham

"Emil Kang is a strategic thinker who draws upon his vast experience in the cultural, academic and philanthropic sectors. He is a veteran presenter, educator, funder and most importantly connector. Emil shared his wisdom, good counsel and practical insights with my company and helped us expand and grow."

— Ping Chong, artist, theater maker, and founder, Ping Chong & Company

"Emil is a rare and unique force in our industry: one who understands that vision governs societal change, and that the artists need systemic support to help shape and nurture that vision. From his brilliant days as a presenter and leader in the performing arts, to his tenure at the Mellon Foundation, I have felt his unwavering presence: from constructive critique that has helped shift my direction, to life changing support that has unlocked new avenues for me as an artist and leader."

— Paola Prestini, composer, co-founder, and artistic director, National Sawdust

"Emil took on a much larger role in my life than just the invaluable assistance he afforded me, my institution and those whom we serve. At some point I realized that his interest in helping others create and grow organizations that change the narrative for many, was personal. That he, in fact, was more than an advisor but an ally who cared about the humanity of those he worked with. So much so, that, at least for me, his wisdom, experience and advice extended beyond the call of duty. Emil went from being an important advisor to being a guide and a friend."

— Arturo O’Farrill, pianist, composer, educator, and founder of the Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance.

"Working with Emil has changed my life. His visionary support for artists empowered my institutional and artistic work. It enabled me to create my most ambitious work, live a sustainable life, while building an institution and supporting other artists and activists. This level of commitment to artists centralizes their roles in the production of culture. It changes work environments and livelihoods, and protects art as essential part of societal and political expression. I’m forever grateful for Emil’s vision, knowledge, and brave commitment to art and artists."

— Tania El Khoury, artist, professor, and founding director, the Center for Human Rights and the Arts, Bard College

"GYOPO, based in Los Angeles's Koreatown, now has wings thanks to Emil! His keenly perceptive and generous counsel have been instrumental to our growth. Emil is a true champion of diasporic Korean artists, community practitioners, and institution builders. His deep and personal understanding of the issues that Asian Americans face in the arts, and his dedication to supporting those who seek to develop new models that challenge patriarchal, hierarchical, and competitive cultures, is a boon to our sector."

— Yoon Ju Ellie Lee, co-founder and Steering Committee Chair, GYOPO

"Emil has been an important sounding board for me over the course of my career. His instincts around adapting for a changing world, creating artist-centered approaches and building the leaders of tomorrow have been transformational."

— Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

"Emil Kang has been an incredible mentor to me for many years! I am constantly considering the word patronage & its essence being of someone walking with artists or an organization; advising & championing their potential through deep understanding, mentorship & care. Emil has always been there, whenever I would reach out to him with artistic challenges. He has invigorated me & my arts organization, TRIBE, by giving us the tools to continue stepping into our clarity of mission, vision & purpose."

— Shamel Pitts, dancer, choreographer, founder and artistic director, TRIBE

"Emil has been a crucial, strategic, collaborative and kind thought partner on projects large and small, nuanced and epic. His guidance and support for the work of THE OFFICE is invaluable. He is a rare creative sounding board and partner and i consult with him at the start of every art adventure."

— Rachel Chanoff, THE OFFICE performing arts + film

"Emil has carved a space for creatives from all genres, encouraging our growth and building communities of support. For the twenty plus years I’ve known him, he has become a friend, a coach, and an advocate, guiding me toward my best creative self. He has been the backbone of my creative journey as I continue to navigate and form my place in the dance community, and his care is wrapped in critical truths some are afraid to share. Emil never fails to show up for all of us. I don’t know how he does it, but we are all number one to him."

— Hope Boykin, choreographer and founder, HopeBoykinDance and HBArts Collective

"Emil is that rare leader who combines both a rich depth of experience with a relentless intellectual curiosity that allows him to be open to and lead others through change, innovation and meaningful dialogue. Emil brings a deeply human approach to the complex worlds of management, encouraging engagement while focusing on the people, vision and processes that make organizations work best."

— Ben Hartley, Chief Executive Officer, Silkroad

"Emil is a trusted and generous collaborator - discerning and deeply principled - whose insights have guided my leadership of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH). As a strategic thought partner, he listens deeply, challenges constructively, and contributes meaningfully. His visionary leadership has not only elevated DTH and the many organizations that he has served but has also strengthened the broader ecosystem of the arts."

— Anna Glass, executive director, Dance Theatre of Harlem

"Emil's open mind, generosity, and guidance were foundational catalysts for the largest artistic expression of my decades-long career. Without Emil’s intuitive gift and belief in my art—and that of many others—and his faith in the power of the arts to motivate, inspire, critique, challenge, fire the imagination, heal, and create wonder across all cultures, many artists would never have been able to bring their work to communities around the world.”

— Nona Hendryx, singer, songwriter, author, and producer