Lisa Funderburke, currently serving as the president and CEO of the Artist Communities Alliance (ACA), has been appointed to lead the Newark Museum of Art. She will assume the role of president and chief executive after Linda Harrison vacated the position last year, concluding her six-year leadership.
Earlier this month, Funderburke declared her intention to resign from the ACA, an organization that supports artists and artist residencies. Kibra Yohannes, chair of the ACA board, praised Funderburke’s outstanding contributions in a January 20 email, stating, “With Lisa’s partnership, we built a board that is more reflective of our field. We grew organizational capacity and increased support for artists.”
As the largest fine art museum in New Jersey, the Newark Museum of Art houses 300,000 objects encompassing art, science, and natural history. Funderburke steps in at a time when cultural institutions nationwide are navigating new challenges during the Trump administration. Her previous roles include associate director at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, North Carolina, and board positions at the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.
Funderburke, who holds a Master’s degree in biology from Howard University, brings a scientific perspective that the museum highlighted in its announcement. She expressed her vision for museums as vital, community-responsive entities, stating, “Throughout my career, I have seen how cultural institutions function as essential civic infrastructure.”
Funderburke is eager to collaborate with the Newark community and artist networks to elevate the museum in national and international dialogues about art, science, and cultural exchange. Her appointment takes effect on February 1, as confirmed by the Newark Museum of Art.
