The Bascom Welcomes Kinkade

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: September 2024 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro

Niki Kinkade

One of the most important things Niki Kinkade learned her first week as The Bascom’s new Executive Director was: Don’t have a nosh at the creek’s picnic tables. The bears will gnash your nosh. She laughs and says, “This terrain here is definitely not a Kentucky horse farm.”

That’s exactly one of the things that called her here: the heights, the sights, and the beauty, but mostly, The Bascom…and maybe a rare, occasional bear.

Niki, an outgoing enthusiast, is already establishing a strong connection with the Board, staff, donors, members, and businesses. She says, “I enjoy change and growth and engaging with new people. The Bascom believes in the power of the arts to transform and inspire. All we do at The Bascom revolves around this. This purpose resonates with me and aligns with my personal beliefs.”

Deeply impressed with The Bascom Board, Niki says, “I look forward to working with the Board of Directors as we move our mission further.  The strong resources they bring to the organization is inspiring and I look forward to the work we will do together.”

As The Bascom approaches 40, Niki envisions enriching the campus, adding a few areas of growth. With regard to her qualifications, she says, “With my experiences leading arts organizations, I was a good candidate for the Executive Director position at the The Bascom.  I have many years of experience directing arts organizations through areas of growth. I have a background in Art History and have worked in various areas of the visual arts.  It is a comfortable transition for me, since I understand all the different areas of a visual arts organization.  And The Bascom is an organization that is in a strong position, with fantastic staff, Board members, patrons, and support.  This is a very exciting and important time for The Bascom and I am honored to be a part
of it.”

She relates to family too. And she’s a dog lover, with two multi-poos, loveable, naughty boy, Banksy (watch the walls), and adorable Benji. Her husband John is the shopper and chef when he’s not being a professor.  He and their son Charlie will remain in Danville for a bit, and they will be commuting.   They have two daughters, out and on their own.

Niki says, “We are a strong family and believe that it is important to live life to the fullest. The family sees this as an opportunity for all of us.  I am proud to show my kids: you can look outside of the box when thinking about your future.”

When things settle, Niki will look forward to joining a book club. Gear up, enthusiastic readers. In the meantime, she welcomes visits. Stop by The Bascom and say “hello.” Give her a thumbs-up. Her email is [email protected]