
Color Me Art
Update: The Search for a New Arts Council Executive Director

President, Arts Council for Long Beach Board of Directors
Arts Council for Long Beach Board President Marco Schindelmann gave an update to PalacioMagazine.com about the search process for a new Executive Director.
Previously…
Arts Council for Long Beach Executive Director Victoria Bryan recently announced that she will be leaving her post. According to the news release issued by the organization, she is stepping down after two and a half years with the organization.
Bryan is quoted as saying, “When I became executive director, my personal goal was to see the organization solidly heading in the new direction laid out in our Strategic Plan—our roadmap. I believe we are at that point and, in some ways, ahead of schedule.”
In her statement, Bryan reflected on some recent highlights as the Arts Council begins its fortieth year, “The Arts Council just welcomed nine new board members, reflecting the rich diversity of Long Beach’s communities. We have a strong new staff team in place, focused on communications, marketing and advocacy for Long Beach’s exceptional creative community. This year’s City budget provides us with continued funding for marketing and annual grants to artists and organizations. We continue to work closely with City leadership to further expand support for the arts. The Arts Council’s recent State of the Arts event, which spotlighted outstanding artists and organizations throughout Long Beach, was held in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for the first time and launched Arts Innovator and Economic Development awards. We just announced a Risk and Innovation grant and also a capital campaign for the Mobile ArtSpace. We have much to celebrate!”
Board President Marco Schindelmann was interviewed by Palacio Magazine. We asked him about the selection process. He explained that community members will be joining Arts Council Board members in the selection process. [Transparency: My wife, Sumire Gant, is one of the Committee members]
The Arts Council hopes to have a new Executive Director on board by February 2016. The application process will close December 15. The Arts Council will go into hyperdrive after the first of the year 2016. Their plan is to make an announcement by January 25, 2016.
A job description is located on the Arts Council’s website at www.artslb.org/about. Applications will be accepted through December 15.