Joël Díaz is a writer, educator, and steward for arts and culture with a vested interest in storytelling, community building, and creative placemaking. Joël has garnered leadership expertise in arts administration, public programming, publishing, and non-profit management, helping organizations champion artists and expand community access to the arts.

From 2020-2023, Joël was the inaugural director of SCAD Museum of Art’s Walter and Linda Evans Center for African American Studies. During his tenure, Joël created dynamic learning and engagement opportunities that advanced the awareness and public knowledge of Black Diasporic and African American culture, activated the Center’s permanent collection, and designed public events to inspire audiences. As guiding pillars of his work, Joël strives to create meaningful connections with communities, find thoughtful entry points for interpretative experiences, and be a catalyst for change. 

His immersive, multi-disciplinary programs have included a site-specific commissioned performance by visual artist Nastassja E. Swift; a technological, sensory based, sound design production by collaborative duo Akeema-Zane and Rena Anakwe; and an improvisational performance by composer and writer JJJJJerome Ellis. Joël executive produced a short film, Speech and Time, about JJJJJerome Ellis’s artistic practice which won a 2023 gold Telly Award. He also co-curated Aaron Douglas: Sermons, an exhibition celebrating the artistic contributions and influence of Aaron Douglas. 

Joël spent nearly a decade in New York City organizing programs for many influential arts institutions including The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Pioneer Works, and The Museum of the City of New York. 

Joël’s writing has been featured in The Nation, The Feminist Wire, and Interviewing the Caribbean. He co-organized two seasons of the Segue Reading Series and was a 2018 Poet’s House Fellow. As a consultant, strategic advisor, and sensitivity reader, Joël has worked with major and independent publishers, and other educational organizations, to expand enhance and fortify their literary offerings. 

He received a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Washington University in Saint Louis; a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from New York University; and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies & Juvenile Justice from Wheelock College. 

He is currently the Director of Programs at The Clifton House where he leads the organization’s public programs, exhibitions, publications, and artist residencies.