The Clifton House Appoints Joël Díaz as Executive Director

Photo by Raba Abro

PRESS RELEASE:

The Clifton House Appoints Joël Díaz as Executive Director in Milestone Year Honoring Lucille Clifton’s 90th Birthday

Baltimore, MD — February 10— The Clifton House, a Baltimore-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing literary and visual arts, proudly announces the promotion and hire of Joël Díaz as its new Executive Director, effective February 1, 2026. The appointment comes during a significant commemorative year for the organization, which also posthumously marks the 90th birthday of its namesake, Lucille Clifton, whose legacy continues to shape the organization’s mission and impact.

Díaz has been a vital member of The Clifton House since 2024, most recently serving as Director of Programs. During his tenure, Díaz produced 30 public programs including signature series and events such as First Films, the annual Lucille Clifton Lecture, and All of My Bones Remember which featured award-winning authors, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists like Aracelis Girmay, Honorée F. Jeffers, Nikky Finney, Raven Jackson, Steven Golliday, Brandon Woody, Kennedy Yanko, Joyce J. Scott and Jerrell Gibbs.

These programs created opportunities for both established and emerging talents, and were bolstered through partnerships with Baltimore Museum of Art, Jupiter Mag, Maryland Film Festival, and The Library reaching over 1500 participants while deepening the commitment to Baltimore’s creative communities and extending the organization's early partnerships with the Geena Davis Institute and the Academy of American Poets. 

Prior to The Clifton House, Díaz was the inaugural Director of SCAD Museum of Art’s Walter and Linda Evans Center for African American Studies. Additionally, he has held leadership positions at Pioneer Works and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. In 2025, Díaz completed the Aspen Institute's rigorous Seminar on Strategy for Artist-Endowed Foundation Leaders.

“Joël’s ascension into the role of Executive Director fills me with pride and gratitude. From the very beginning, he has carried The Clifton House with integrity, generosity, and deep respect for the community and the history we are entrusted to steward. He leads with heart, vision, and excellence; and I am excited to witness what this next chapter holds under his leadership,” said Sidney Clifton, Founder and President of The Clifton House. “As we continue to deepen our impact, this leadership transition positions the organization for continued growth and relevance.”

As Executive Director, Díaz will lead strategic planning, fundraising, and program development, while continuing to champion artists, writers, and activists. His appointment reflects a commitment to stewardship—both of the non-profit’s future and of the artistic legacy established by Lucille and Fred Clifton. The milestone year will feature special readings and public programs celebrating Clifton’s legacy while expanding partnerships and outreach to artists and audiences nationwide.

“I am honored to be leading The Clifton House during such a meaningful year. This organization is sacred terrain for the nourishment and well being of artists and activists,” said Díaz. “Over the past two years, The Clifton House has been bold in its daring commitment to be Spring and river to creatives and to everyone who seeks to nurture their imagination. I want to continue the momentum we started by providing room for artistic practice that is generative and fertile with possibilities.” 

Founded in 2019, The Clifton House supports interdisciplinary artists through workshops, public programs, and community partnerships while remaining a vital platform for creative experimentation and inspiring, substantive conversations. We look forward to the organization’s continued growth and evolution through the implementation of ADA accessibility, launching our residency program, and opening our exhibition gallery and artist studios. 

For media inquiries, please contact info@thecliftonhouse.co