{"id":144215,"date":"2024-10-23T13:29:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T18:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=144215"},"modified":"2024-10-23T12:59:15","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T17:59:15","slug":"south-arts-announces-president-ceo-susie-surkamers-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/south-arts-announces-president-ceo-susie-surkamers-retirement\/","title":{"rendered":"South Arts Announces President & CEO Susie Surkamer’s Retirement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

President & CEO Susie Surkamer to retire in June 2025, as regional arts organization enters its next era<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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South Arts <\/strong>has announced today that Susie Surkamer<\/strong> will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2025, following a 13-year tenure leading the regional arts organization. The announcement comes as the organization approaches its 50th anniversary, marking a significant moment of transition and paving the way for a new era in its history. A search has begun for a new Executive Director to lead the organization and build on Surkamer\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt has been a tremendous privilege to serve this organization and our region for much of my career,\u201d said Susie Surkamer<\/strong>. \u201cI am incredibly proud and grateful to have contributed to South Arts\u2019 impact in supporting artists and communities across the Southeast, this work is instrumental in sustaining our region\u2019s capacity for growth. As I look ahead, I am excited to watch the organization continue to thrive, knowing that even if my role is just a small part of its legacy, it will be one of my greatest honors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surkamer has been a champion for the growth and development of the region\u2019s artistic and cultural landscape for nearly five decades. Before becoming South Art\u2019s chief executive in 2012, she served on the board for 15 years, including a term as board chair from 2002\u20132004.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under her leadership, South Arts has expanded its budget by 500%, developing key initiatives and a strengthened capacity to serve its nine-state region. Surkamer created the flagship Southern Prize & State Fellowship<\/strong> program, then doubled its support in the last two years with an additional focus on Literary Arts. Surkamer has also been instrumental in establishing new funding streams for BIPOC-led and -serving organizations, furthering the organization’s commitment to equity and capacity-building in the arts with regional initiatives like Southern Cultural Treasures<\/strong> alongside national programs such as ArtsHERE<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Over the last decade, South Arts has established itself as a leading supporter of the arts among the region, a testament to the work and influence of Susie Surkamer,\u201d said\u00a0South Arts Board Chair Neil Barclay<\/strong>. \u201cIt is thanks to her commitment to and deep admiration for our region that we have been able to expand and strengthen South Arts\u2019 work, and we are beyond appreciative to have had her at the helm, steering our mission to support the South\u2019s vitality through the arts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Surkamer begins her transition from South Arts, the organization approaches its 50th anniversary\u2014a milestone that offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the organization’s achievements and enduring dedication to strengthening the arts field. For more information on South Arts\u2019 leadership, programming, and grant opportunities, please visit southarts.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Arts advances Southern vitality through the arts. The nonprofit regional arts organization was founded in 1975 to build on the South\u2019s unique heritage and enhance the public value of the arts. South Arts\u2019 work responds to the arts environment and cultural trends with a regional perspective. South Arts offers an annual portfolio of activities designed to support the success of artists and arts providers in the South, address the needs of Southern communities through impactful arts-based programs, and celebrate the excellence, innovation, value and power of the arts of the South. For more information, visit\u00a0www.southarts.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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