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ACA announces new executive director

Posted at 3:03 PM, Sep 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-21 16:03:24-04

The Acadiana Center for the Arts has announced the appointment of a new executive director.

On Thursday, the Board of Directors for ACA announced Samuel Oliver as the organization’s Executive Director. He is taking the place of Gerd Wuestemann who left the position in February to work in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“It is a privilege to serve as its Executive Director, to return to serve this community, and to work with the amazing staff of this world-class organization,” Oliver says.

Before becoming Executive Director of AcA, Oliver served as Assistant Director for Operations and Administration at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans. As Assistant Director for Operations.

Samuel Oliver / ACA

“Sam’s broad knowledge of cultural policy and arts administration coupled with years of experience working with artists across art forms makes him well positioned to lead us going forward. His passion and commitment to our cause and his deep knowledge of South Louisiana will enable him to plan more effectively for the future, expand our programs, and introduce innovative approaches to serving our diverse communities,”AcA Board President Dan Hare explains.

Oliver holds a B.A. from Louisiana State University; an M.A. in Arts and Cultural Management from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh; and a Certificate in Cultural Diplomacy from the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, Berlin. He is a native of Lafayette and a graduate of Lafayette High School.

According to a release, Oliver plans to continue stewarding Acadiana Center for the Arts in its highly successful trajectory, led by its committed staff, volunteers, and board of directors. He plans to enhance the connectivity between Acadiana and inspirational art experiences that bring the community together so that we may all learn and grow, celebrate and reflect, and ultimately share a rich and fulfilling life in Acadiana.

To learn more about Acadiana Center for the Arts, upcoming exhibitions and events, or to become a member, patrons should visit AcadianaCenterfortheArts.org.