Dave Lawrence is stepping down as president and CEO of the Arts Council of Indianapolis after 19 years in the position, he announced Tuesday afternoon in an email to supporters of the 31-year-old organization.
Lawrence said he was leaving to take the job of president and CEO of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County in Lake Worth, Florida. His last day with the Arts Council will be Aug. 3.
“It has been the greatest honor of my professional career leading this dynamic and impactful organization,” Lawrence wrote in his email. “Through arts education, public art, new grants and fellowships, and innovative programs and services for the arts community, I know that we have truly made a difference during my tenure at the Arts Council.
The Arts Council serves as an advocate for community arts funding, and it owns and operates the Indianapolis Artsgarden at Circle Centre mall and Gallery 924, 924 N. Pennsylvania St.
Lawrence serves on the boards of Visit Indy and the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee. He previously was a member on the host and local organizing committees for the Super Bowl XLVI, the 2015 NCAA Men’s’ Final Four, the 2016 U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
“There is never a good time to leave, but after 19 years, I am ready for a new challenge,” he said. “I truly believe that I am leaving the organization in great hands and have no doubt that they will continue to pursue innovative strategies that will lead the Arts Council boldly into its next 30 years.”