Arts

CSV Cultural Center Announces
Luis R. Cancel to head San Francisco Arts Commission

The Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, announced yesterday his appointment of Luis R. Cancel as the head of the Dept. of Cultural Affairs for that city.

"A large part of what makes San Francisco such a coveted place to live and visit is its position as a world class arts and culture destination," said Mayor Newsom. "Luis Cancel has done amazing work in New York, both inside and outside of government, to promote the value of the arts in everyday life, and he's going to do amazing work here in San Francisco."

"I'm thrilled we were able to entice Luis to come to San Francisco. He's a serious artist, an experienced public servant, a committed advocate and an innovative arts administrator," said PJ Johnston, President of the Arts Commission. "In every way, Luis is the consummate arts professional and a dynamic leader."

In 2005 Cancel was appointed Executive Director of the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural Center and quickly negotiated a new governance structure with the City of New York, the Center's landlord. He went on to secure $14 million in capital renovation funds from the City as well as over $350,000 in operating support for the Center.

"Our Board is very proud of Luis' tenure at CSV," said Ninfa Segarra, Co-Chair of the CSV Cultural Center Board. "We are grateful for the leadership he provided over the past two-and-a-half years and he leaves behind a fabulous legacy."

"I am very excited to join Mayor Newsom's team, and I share his vision to use the rich cultural resources of San Francisco to expand tourism and economic development for the City," Cancel said. "This city has been a magnet for the creative class -- the painters, dancers, musicians and creators of culture -- and I hope to work closely with the Mayor to promote policies to ensure that this group can continue to live and work in the City."

Cancel will begin his duties at the San Francisco Arts Commission later this month, after relocating with his wife, the Brazilian contemporary dance choreographer, Regina Miranda.

The CSV Cultural Center has launched a search for a new Executive Director for the Center. The City funded capital renovations to the five-story building are expected to take two years and the Center's activities, will continue without interruption.

Founded in 1993, the CSV Cultural Center is the largest arts incubator in New York City and houses 53 visual artists in working studios, 16 performing arts groups, four theaters and two galleries in its City-owned building.

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source: press release from CSV Cultural Center