NORWICH – Last week, The Chenango Arts Council announced that longtime Executive Director Victoria Calvert Kappel will be leaving the organization at the end of June. The change comes as a bit of a surprise to many. But nonetheless, the Council's Board of Directors is already poising to take necessary steps to fill what they are calling “big shoes.”
Lisa A. Natoli, Esq., President of the Chenango Arts Council – previously known as the Chenango County Council of the Arts – said, “The selection panel will be meeting this week to establish criteria for what will be a nationwide search to fill the position.”
Natoli indicated that former Board President Dominick Shea is currently working on the preliminary stages of the organization’s replacement strategy, and the council will act quickly and aggressively to retain the next executive director to insure a seamless transition. A selection committee was formed to conduct the search for the next executive director.
In a press release, Kappel, who has been Executive Director since 1999, says, “Fifteen years ago, my family and I arrived in Chenango County from the Midwest, and were immediately and unreservedly welcomed into the community. Both personally and professionally, these years have solidified my love for this county and organization, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity. It is now time for me to explore new challenges and adventures, and cheer on a new champion of the Arts Council.”
"Victoria has made significant contributions to the growth and viability of the Arts Council throughout her tenure. We are grateful for all she’s done to further the mission of the Arts Council in helping Chenango County’s residents discover the art in everyday life. She leaves a lasting legacy, and difficult shoes to fill. We wish Victoria every happiness as she chooses her future path,” said Natoli.
For more than 39 years, the Chenango Arts Council has acted as a cultural service provider located in the former Norwich City High School on West Main Street. In 2013, the Council allocated $95,400 in cultural funding to Broome, Chenango and Otsego County nonprofit organizations, artists and schools.
Under Kappel's direction, The Chenango Arts Council has seen not only significant growth, but also increased responsibility through diversifying its active role as a resource for decentralization re-granting. New York State realized the strength of the Arts Council's commitment to funding and fostering growth in the arts in Upstate New York by allowing the Chenango County-based organization the power to administer decentralization grants in Chenango, Broome and Otsego counties; with the support of the New York State Council on the Arts, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the NYS Legislature.
This year, the Council will be responsible for the allocation of $112,500 in grant funding opportunities.
In addition to offering increased grant assistance, Kappel has also played a pivotal role in bringing a number of workshops and programming into Chenango. “She has been very dedicated to her vision of offering arts education and programming to our community at the local level,” said Natoli. “There have been very few directors at the Arts Council, and (Kappel) will leave behind a great legacy of innovation and passion. All members of the board are saddened to see her go, but we are also looking forward to the change with optimism.”
“We are wishing Victoria nothing but the best, as she and her staff have worked tirelessly to promote the advancement of cultural and artistic enrichment to our community,” said Natoli.