The Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) in New Jersey has announced the appointment of Lisa Funderburke as its new director and CEO, effective February 1. She takes over from Linda C. Harrison, who left the position seven months ago after a successful six-year tenure.
Funderburke joins NMOA, which boasts a collection of 300,000 objects, including significant Tibetan art, and an annual budget nearing $19 million, from the Artist Communities Alliance in Providence, Rhode Island. During her nearly ten years there, she played a pivotal role in increasing the organization's budget to $2.5 million.
Before her time at the Artist Communities Alliance, Funderburke held key positions as the associate director of the McColl Center for Art + Innovation and as the director of the Charlotte Nature Museum in North Carolina. Her work at the McColl Center emphasized organizational strategy, fundraising, and community engagement through contemporary art.
Peter Englot, chair of the museum's board, shared that Funderburke was chosen from a competitive pool of candidates through a nationwide search. He praised her unique combination of experience and creativity, stating that her innovative mindset will be essential in enhancing the museum's foundations and elevating NMOA to new heights.
Recently, NMOA completed a $2.5 million renovation of its Learning & Engagement Center, which spans 6,000 square feet. Additionally, the museum is part of a larger $100 million development project called Museum Parc, which will include mixed-income apartments and gallery spaces, set to be completed by early 2027.
In her statement, Funderburke expressed her vision for the museum, emphasizing the importance of being responsive and collaborative with the community. She aims to position NMOA as a leader in national and global discussions surrounding art, science, and cultural exchange, fostering a space for creativity and dialogue.
