Orlando Watson is a nationally respected arts executive, cultural strategist, and creative consultant whose work sits at the intersection of artistic excellence, institutional growth, and community impact. In November 2025, Watson was appointed the youngest and first African-American Executive Director of Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, one of the nation’s most historic urban jazz festivals, marking a pivotal new chapter in the festival’s legacy and future vision.

With more than 15 years of experience across the nonprofit, academic, and live entertainment sectors, Watson has led and advised major cultural institutions through periods of artistic reinvention, audience expansion, and strategic repositioning. His leadership is defined by a deep understanding of artists, presenters, and stakeholders alike—bridging creative ambition with operational rigor and measurable results.

Watson is the founder of Prose & Concepts LLC, a consulting and production firm specializing in luxury cultural experiences, artist-driven programming, and executive-level advisory services for institutions seeking relevance, equity, and sustainability in a rapidly evolving arts landscape. Through this work, he has curated and managed national festivals and premier arts initiatives across Ohio and Pennsylvania, collaborating with elite partners to deliver bold, future-facing programming.

In addition to his executive leadership, Watson serves as an elected Governor of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) Philadelphia Chapter, Board Chair of the African Peach Arts Coalition (NYC), and Chair of Arts & Development for Heart of the Art (Washington, D.C.), contributing to national conversations around creative economies, artist advocacy, and cultural policy.

A recording artist and storyteller in his own right, Watson brings uncommon credibility to his leadership roles. His debut EP Everything’s Personal (2017) and full-length album Corner Stories (2021) both reached the iTunes Top 20 R&B/Soul charts, and his performance career has included collaborations with many of today’s most influential voices in jazz, soul, and contemporary music. This lived artistic experience informs his executive approach—grounded, empathetic, and uncompromising in quality.

Previously, Watson served as Senior Director of Programming at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (2022–2025), where he oversaw multidisciplinary programming and institutional partnerships while amplifying underrepresented voices on national stages.

Across every role, Orlando Watson is recognized as an emerging powerhouse arts presenter and trusted executive voice—one who leads with vision, cultural intelligence, and a commitment to excellence that honors tradition while building what comes next.

TOPICS: Leadership, Communication, Organizational Innovation