The Newark Museum of Art has announced the appointment of Lisa Funderburke as its new president and chief executive. Funderburke, who currently serves as the president and CEO of the Artist Communities Alliance (ACA), will be taking over from Linda Harrison, who stepped down from the role last year after a six-year tenure.
Funderburke’s decision to leave ACA was met with praise from the organization’s Board Chair, Kibra Yohannes, who commended her for her exemplary service. During her time at ACA, Funderburke played a key role in building a more diverse and supportive board, increasing organizational capacity, and enhancing support for artists. She also helped shift the organization towards a more values-based approach, moving away from a transactional membership model.
The Newark Museum of Art, New Jersey’s largest fine art museum, boasts a collection of over 300,000 objects spanning art, science, and natural history. Funderburke’s appointment comes at a time when cultural institutions across the country are facing new challenges in light of the current political climate.
Prior to her role at ACA, Funderburke served as the associate director of the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has also held positions on the boards of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, and currently sits on the boards of the Performing Arts Alliance and the Center for Cultural Innovation in Los Angeles.
In addition to her extensive arts administration experience, Funderburke holds a Master’s degree in biology from Howard University, bringing a unique scientific background to her new role. In a statement, Funderburke expressed her belief that museums are most impactful when they are responsive, collaborative, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.
She emphasized the importance of cultural institutions as essential civic infrastructure and expressed her excitement about working with the Newark community to position the museum as a leader in national and global conversations about art, science, and cultural exchange. Funderburke’s appointment will officially take effect on February 1, according to the Newark Museum of Art.
With her wealth of experience and passion for community engagement, Funderburke is poised to lead the Newark Museum of Art into a new era of innovation and inclusivity. Her appointment signals a commitment to fostering dialogue, creativity, and learning within the museum’s walls, solidifying its role as a vibrant public space for all.
