Jeffrey James will usher in a new era for the Hopkins Center for the Arts when he becomes the center's sixth director this August, the College announced Tuesday.
James will fill the vacancy left by the upcoming retirement of Lewis Crickard, who has directed the Hopkins Center since 1992 and plans on retiring in July.
Established in 1962, the Hopkins Center houses four academic arts departments, a visiting performing artist series and workshops for students to learn more about the arts.
"The Hopkins Center is one of the country's most distinguished campus-based arts institutions," James said in a press release. "It is a unique resource for the Dartmouth community and for broader area audiences, and I am excited at the prospect of joining such a vibrant and multi-faceted arts enterprise."
James currently serves as the executive director of the Cunningham Dance Foundation in New York City and as an advisory board member of the Pacific Resident Theatre troupe.
In his position with the Cunningham Dance Foundation, James oversees the administration of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, the Cunningham Studio and additional programs allied with the foundation.
James will bring his expertise to Dartmouth, where he hopes to attract a diverse array of artistic endeavors to campus.
"I particularly look forward to working with talented students, faculty and staff to further and enhance the Hop's incredibly varied programs and to fostering ever-growing opportunities for the life changing experiences that the arts can provide," James said.
The new director has considerable experience in organizing artistic events. James helped coordinate a celebration and campaign associated with the 50th anniversary of Cunningham Dance Company's founding and helped organize three Cunningham world premieres, a new multi-work filming project and widespread domestic and international tours.
Prior to becoming executive director of the Cunningham Dance Foundation, James was the founding president of the International Foundation for the Canadian Centre for Architecture.
He also held senior management, fundraising and marketing positions at the California Institute for the Arts, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the New York Philharmonic and the University of California, Los Angeles.
College Provost Barry Scherr shares James' optimism for the continued success of the Hopkins Center and its programs.
"I look forward to working with Jeff James to ensure that the Hopkins Center continues its role as a vital arts venue for Dartmouth students and faculty, as well as for the surrounding community," Scherr said.
