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The Bascom Names Niki Kinkade as its New Executive Director
Written By: Bianca Mitchell, Director of Marketing, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts | Issue: Whats News
Board Chair Ann Wrobleski states, “I know you'll join me in welcoming Niki to our community and in supporting her – and our staff– in a successful next chapter for The Bascom."
Niki Kinkade
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is pleased to welcome Niki Kinkade as its new Executive Director starting mid-July. Kinkade comes to The Bascom with more than 15 years of experience in the arts nonprofit sector, bringing with her extensive experience as a leader in the arts. Since 2017, Kinkade has served as Executive Director of the Art Center of the Bluegrass (Danville, KY), where she led the rebranding, growth, and reimagining of the organization, doubling its physical space, programming, and staff. Kinkade led a $5 million capital campaign to support the expansion of the center, and established the GLASS National Art Museum featuring the collection of Stephen Rolfe Powell.
Board Chair Ann Wrobleski said, “After an extensive national search, I’m excited to announce that Niki Kinkade will join The Bascom as our new Executive Director. The Search Committee was impressed by Niki’s experience, energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the arts. The Board looks forward to working with her to deepen the connections between the Plateau and the visual arts.”
When asked about her new role, Kinkade said, “I’m delighted to join the Bascom team to continue and expand the great work being done with the visual arts in the Plateau community. The Bascom is a treasure for residents and visitors — a place to find inspiration through seeing, thinking, and doing. I am honored to be a part of it.”
Kinkade replaces Dr. Karin Peterson, who announced her retirement from The Bascom last year. The Board extends its gratitude to Dr. Peterson for her leadership over the past three years and her assistance during the search and transition. Under Peterson’s tenure, the organization successfully navigated the challenges of COVID-19, expanded and re-engaged its philanthropic base, initiated a master planning process, and revitalized its storytelling and communication efforts. The Bascom is now in an ideal position to continue its important work on the Plateau.
Board Chair Wrobleski states, “I know you’ll join me in welcoming Niki to our community and in supporting her – and our staff– in a successful next chapter for The Bascom.”
About The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts
The Bascom creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking, and doing. For more than 30 years, we’ve served as a vital cultural resource for Western North Carolina, and we continue to build on that legacy through our work and advocacy for the arts.
