Purdue News
Purdue NewsRenee Thomas, director of the BCC, said Walker's responsibilities will include working with the four performing arts ensembles: the Black Voices of Inspiration choir, the New Directional Players drama troupe, the Jahari Dance Troupe, and the Haraka Writers creative writing group. He also will have administrative duties that go with the center's Cultural Arts Series.
"In addition to having 10 years' experience at the University of Kentucky, Frank is a visual and literary artist," Thomas said. "He will be a great complement to all four ensembles. His experience as a writer, actor and photographer gives him a unique perspective as he works with our students."
Walker said he is excited about the chance to work at Purdue.
"Purdue's Black Cultural Center is one of the premier centers in the country," Walker said. "In fact, the center at U of K was designed using Purdue's program as a model.
"I feel like I'm kind of a throwback to the age of Renaissance artists. I've had some success as a visual artist and writer, and I hope to be able to translate those hands-on experiences at every level of the business to help students prepare for shows and for possible careers in the arts."
Walker has a bachelor of arts degree in English from the University of Kentucky and an art studio minor. He is the founder and executive director of the Bluegrass Black Arts Consortium, and a creative writing instructor for the Governor's School for the Arts.
He also is a member of the Kentucky Arts Council Civil Rights Committee and a founding member of Affrilachian Poets & Message Theatre. Walker will start at Purdue on May 19.
Purdue is in the midst of a campaign to raise $3 million to finance construction of a new Black Cultural Center. The two-story, 18,000-square-foot structure will be almost twice the size of the current center, which was dedicated in December 1970. Purdue has contributed the land and $1 million toward the construction.
The center serves about 35,000 people each year through its performing arts ensembles, speaker series, tours and other programs.
For more information on the campaign or other events at the BCC, contact Thomas at (765) 494-3092.
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
