Newark Arts, a respected nonprofit dedicated to nurturing Newark’s vibrant arts and culture community, has announced the appointment of Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Esq., as the Interim Executive Director. With a remarkable background in marketing, artistic initiatives, and a strong commitment to the arts, Craig brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Newark’s creative landscape.
Having joined Newark Arts in 2016 as the Director of Marketing and Artistic Initiatives, Craig has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission. Previously serving as a board member during Executive Director Linwood Oglesby’s tenure, Craig’s dedication to the arts has been evident throughout her career. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers School of Law-Newark, where she served as an editor for Rutgers Law Review, and her legal expertise complements her strategic creativity in the arts, tourism, and nonprofit industries.
Craig’s involvement in the arts extends beyond Newark Arts, as she has served as a gallery owner in the Lincoln Park section of Newark and as the former Executive Director of Art in the Atrium, Inc., a renowned New Jersey-based Black fine arts organization with a rich 31-year history. Under her leadership at Newark Arts, Craig successfully guided the transition of the Newark Arts Festival to a virtual format during the pandemic. In 2021, she co-produced a highly successful physical edition of the festival, headquartered in the iconic Hahne’s Building, which garnered widespread attention from the press and the community. This achievement led to a partnership with The Newark Museum of Art, where the NAF annual group show will be exhibited in 2023 for the second consecutive year.
Beyond her remarkable accomplishments, Craig is a certified yoga instructor and the author of “100 Things Newark,” a tourism guide that has gained recognition in prestigious publications such as the New York Times, AP Travel, and The National Magazine.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Craig stated, “I am humbled to lead Newark Arts, an organization that has been a cornerstone of the arts community for over four decades. Through empowering artists, fostering partnerships, and addressing social issues, Newark Arts has had a profound impact on the city. I am committed to working closely with the board, staff, artists, partners, and funders to ensure the continuous growth and support of Newark’s thriving arts community.”
Board President of Newark Arts, Marcy DePina, praised Craig’s contributions to the organization, especially her leadership in marketing the Newark Arts Festival and spearheading ArtSource initiatives. DePina emphasized Craig’s stellar track record and deep understanding of the nonprofit’s goals and priorities, expressing excitement for the future with Craig at the helm.
With Lauren LeBeaux Craig, Esq., assuming the role of Interim Executive Director, Newark Arts is poised for continued success and growth, promising an even stronger and more vibrant arts ecosystem for the city of Newark.
