Joseph V. Melillo, executive producer since 1999, is responsible for BAM's artistic direction, overseeing programming in all its performance spaces: the Howard Gilman Opera House, Harvey Theater, BAM Fisher, Rose Cinemas, and BAMcafé Live. He previously served as BAM's producing director and founding director of the Next Wave Festival, which debuted in 1983. Currently in his 30th year at BAM, Melillo has fostered the work of emerging and established artists, and forged numerous international partnerships such as DanceMotion USA, a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State produced by BAM to showcase American dance abroad. Awards include the Chevalier and Officier de L'ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France) and an OBE (Great Britain). He is also on the U.S. Nominating Committee for the Praemium Imperiale, a global arts prize awarded annually by the Japan Art Association. Melillo has served on the faculty of Brooklyn College, and as a lecturer at colleges, universities, and arts agencies in the US and abroad.