SAN FRANCISCO HAS A NEW CZAR OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
14 January 2008Former New York City arts commissioner, Bronx Museum director joins Newsom administration
Mayor Gavin Newsom has selected Luis R. Cancel to be San Francisco’s new director of cultural affairs.
The San Francisco Arts Commission voted unanimously on January 7 to appoint Cancel as its new executive director.
Luis R. Cancel
“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 in here in San Francisco.”
Cancel has a distinguished 25-year career as a public servant, leading various not-for-profit and public agencies, including the Bronx Museum of Arts where he spent 14 years.
Cancel became the first Latino to serve as New York City Commissioner to the Department of Cultural Affairs (1991-94) in the administration of Mayor David Dinkins.
Prior to his tenure as the head of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Cancel built the Bronx Museum of the Arts and oversaw its expansion and renovation (1978-1991).
He has been a staunch supporter of multi-cultural programs and is a specialist in Latin American art.
“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 & Educational Center (CSV) in New York City, where he has raised millions of dollars and expanded the center’s profile.
“Our Board is very proud of Luis’ tenure at CSV,” said Ninfa Segarra, co-chair of CSV Cultural Center where Cancel is leaving.
“We are grateful for the leadership he provided over the past two-and-a-half years. He raised $14 million in capital renovation funds for the Center and 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 Regina Miranda.
Nancy Gonchar has served as interim executive director of the Arts Commission since April when longtime director Richard Newirth announced his resignation.
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