Clive Chang has been named the new President of YoungArts.

As President, Chang will report directly to the Board of Trustees and have oversight of YoungArts’ strategy, programs, fundraising, communications, and operations. He will assume his position in January 2023.

Clive said in an official press release, “I am thrilled to join the YoungArts team and drive forward its mission to identify, amplify, and super-charge the potential of artists at every stage of their careers. As an artist myself, I deeply appreciate the importance of the work that YoungArts does and its impactful role in encouraging and ultimately launching an artist’s career. As we approach the new year, I am excited to dive in with the leadership team and staff and to celebrate the 2023 finalists, who will soon be in town for National YoungArts Week.”

Coming from the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, Chang served as Executive Vice President, Chief Advancement & Innovation Officer. He also served as the Director, Strategy & Business Development (2012-14) and Special Assistant to the President (2011-12). Chang worked for the Disney Theatrical Group, leading the strategic planning and growth initiatives for Disney’s global commercial live entertainment division.

Not only a renowned arts administrator, but Chang is also a musician and teacher. He began studying piano at the age of 5 and earned a diploma in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, dual bachelor’s degrees from McGill University (Bachelor of Music in composition and Bachelor of Commerce in finance), a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Musical Theater Writing from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Harvard Business School. Chang remains an active pianist, music director, and composer/arranger. Clive has taught in the graduate program in Arts Administration at Columbia University in New York City since 2018 and serves on the board of the Music Academy in Santa Barbara, CA.

Sarah Arison, Board Chair of YoungArts said, “Clive brings to this role exceptional leadership, program-building, and fundraising skills, along with the special perspective of a lifelong musician who deeply understands the needs and aspirations of the artists we serve. The search committee was unanimous in its admiration for his record of accomplishments at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, including his work to diversify the institution at the highest levels, his entrepreneurial background, and his continuing personal engagement in the artistic community. We are excited to watch YoungArts grow under his direction.”

YoungArts is the national foundation for the advancement of artists. The organization provides space, funding, mentorship, professional development, and community for artists ages 15–18, or grades 10–12 in the United States.