Deana Haggag

Deana Haggag is a program officer for Arts and Culture, helping to shape grantmaking initiatives and develop innovative projects to support a diverse group of artists and cultural institutions across the country.

Prior to joining Mellon, Deana was the president and CEO of United States Artists, where she oversaw unprecedented growth, expanded its fellowship award program, and launched the Berresford Prize. She led the development of coalition efforts to support individual artists including Artist Relief, a $25 million initiative to support artists in the wake of COVID-19, and Disability Futures, aimed at increasing the visibility of disabled creative practitioners. Deana was the executive director of The Contemporary, a nomadic and non-collecting art museum. She consults on art initiatives, contributes to cultural publications, lectures extensively, and has taught at institutions including Johns Hopkins University and Towson University. Deana was named a 2020 YBCA 100 Honoree.

She holds a BA in art history and philosophy from Rutgers University and an MFA in curatorial practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She is on the board of The Underground Museum, as well as the artistic director’s council of Prospect.5 and advisory council of Recess.