In Memoriam: Theodore S. “Ted” Berger

A Steadfast Champion for Artists and the Arts

With great sadness, NCAPER honors the life and legacy of Theodore S. “Ted” Berger, a visionary leader, trusted mentor, and tireless advocate for artists and arts organizations. Ted was a founding member of NCAPER’s Steering Committee at our inception in 2006 and remained a guiding presence throughout the Coalition’s growth, helping to shape our values and direction for nearly two decades.

From the very beginning, Ted ensured that NCAPER’s work centered on the well-being, dignity, and potential of artists. His leadership was marked by clarity, generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the communities he served. Learn more about this pioneering work here and here.

A Legacy of Leadership and Care

Ted brought to NCAPER a remarkable breadth of experience, informed by his tenure as Executive Director Emeritus of the New York Foundation for the Arts. His leadership during and after the September 11 attacks, responding to the devastating impact on New York City’s arts community, helped define a national model for artist support, emergency response, and long-term recovery.

"I first met Ted Berger when I was the Executive Director of Volunteer Lawyers for Arts from 1996-2000, and we were both on the Steering Committee of the NYC Arts Coalition. Even among this

esteemed and formidable group, Ted stood out for his passion for artists, his care for them and his brilliance at spotting issues that needed our attention.

And then, 9/11 struck. Its effect on NYC and its arts sector was cataclysmic. Immediately, Ted sprung into action, along with colleagues Norma Munn and Ginny Louloudes, and raised over $5 million from the Mellon Foundation in very short order to help the field recover. Ted had that capacity - to get the money, lay out solutions AND manage people while incorporating their ideas, making everyone feel worthwhile.

Ted was one of a kind and his influence on our sector in NYC, even nationally, will be felt for years to come."

- Amy Schwartzman, NCAPER Steering Committee

Described by the NY Times as an “angel on the shoulders of thousands of struggling artists,” Ted’s influence extended far beyond any single organization. He believed deeply in the power of artists, not only as creators, but as essential contributors to civic life, healing, and social justice. He served as a mentor and guiding light to many, many of us in the arts field.

“Ted was a man who led with his heart. He cared deeply about his family, his friends, his faith -- you could feel it when you were with him. He believed that artists were essential

to healthy communities and he never stopped working on improving the support system for them. I was in awe of him -- his hard work, his stamina, his commitment, his perennial hopefulness AND his great hair. I will miss him terribly.”

Cornelia Carey, CERF+ Executive Director, retired

" Ted Berger was a colleague and mentor for more than forty years, and I was honored

to work alongside him most recently during my eight8 years at NCAPER, where his

steady leadership and passion for readiness helped shape our collective vision. What I will remember most is his gift for welcoming newcomers, seeking out their voices, and

making everyone feel seen and valued. His kindness, humor, and deep passion for supporting artists are what made Ted the true giant he was in our field. I can still hear his great laugh!"

Jan Newcomb, NCAPER Executive Director, retired

A Trusted Voice in the Arts Ecosystem

Throughout his life, Ted shared his wisdom and boundless energy with countless organizations, including Arts Connection, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, The Center at West Park, Cue Art Foundation, The Cultural Solidarity Fund, The Design Trust for Public Space, HB Studios, The Indie Theater Fund, Leimay, New Yorkers for Culture and the Arts, Participant Inc., and WeisAcres.

Across all of these spaces, Ted was known not just for what he knew, but for how he showed up. He was thoughtful, principled, and always ready to listen.

A Lasting Impact on NCAPER and Beyond

For those of us at NCAPER, Ted was more than a leader. He was a moral compass. He challenged us to think bigger, act more thoughtfully, and remain grounded in care for people, especially in moments of crisis. His belief in collaboration and collective responsibility continues to shape our work today.

“Ted was a towering presence, but his intellect was always equaled by his care for

people. As a Coalition Steering Committee member, his voice was wholly respected and

valued, while he always invited others’ thoughts and perspectives. He kept us focused on the artists and creative workers that are NCAPER’s reason for being. He loved life,

he loved work, he loved the arts, and we all are the better for having worked with him.”

Mollie Quinlan-Hayes, Executive Director, NCAPER

Remembering Ted

Ted Berger’s legacy lives on through the artists he supported, the organizations he strengthened, and the countless individuals who learned from his exa

mple. His life reminds us that leadership rooted in compassion and integrity can change systems and lives.

All of us at NCAPER will miss Ted immensely.

Tribute in the New York Times

May his memory be a blessing.