Dear Network and Friends,
By now, you have heard the news that Lisa Funderburke, President & CEO of Artist Communities Alliance (ACA) for the past nine years, is stepping down at the end of this month.
I am writing on behalf of ACA’s Board of Directors, to express our deep gratitude and admiration for Lisa’s visionary leadership and for her tireless commitment to the field. During Lisa’s tenure, ACA uplifted the needs and aspirations of the field, and provided a platform and network for artist residencies and the people who power them. With Lisa’s partnership, we built a board that is more reflective of our field. We grew organizational capacity and increased support for artists. We deepened our commitment to access, moving from a transactional membership model to a values-based network. We returned to convening our members and friends for learning, community-building, and celebration. We are grateful for Lisa’s exemplary service.
Lisa leaves an organization that is strong, supported by a dedicated, experienced staff. My board colleagues are an extraordinary group—engaged, experienced, insightful, and bearing a deep commitment to the field. We have pulled together a committee, composed of Board and staff, and engaged with a trusted consultant to support the transition. ACA’s Chief of Staff, Mary-Kim Arnold, will serve as Interim President & CEO until Lisa’s successor is named.
We look forward to updating you all in the upcoming months. Until then, I hope you will join me in thanking Lisa for her many contributions to the field and in wishing her every future success.
In community,
Kibra A. Yohannes
ACA Board Chair
ABOUT ARTIST COMMUNITIES ALLIANCE:
ACA is the international service organization for artist residency programs and artist-centered organizations. ACA's mission is to advocate for and support artist residency programs as a means of advancing the endeavors of all artists. We currently support a global network of members and work on behalf of 1,500 residency programs worldwide. Since 2004, ACA has provided more than $4 million in direct grant funding to artists and artist residency centers. More information about ACA can be found [here].