The Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) has appointed Lisa Funderburke as its new director and CEO, marking a significant shift for the state’s largest arts institution. Funderburke, a trained scientist with extensive experience in arts administration, assumed her role on January 22, 2024, with an annual salary of $400,000. The NMOA board expressed optimism that she will effectively integrate science and art into the museum experience.
Funderburke, 55, hails from Long Island and holds a bachelor’s degree in botany and a master’s degree in biology from Howard University. She succeeds Linda C. Harrison, who announced her departure in November 2023 after a six-year tenure. Harrison’s leadership was instrumental in enhancing the museum’s reputation for cultural inclusivity and in advancing plans for new gallery space.
In a statement, Peter Englot, chair of the NMOA board, praised Funderburke’s “unique breadth and depth of experience as a museum and arts leader.” He highlighted her scholarship on governance and strategy, particularly during her decade as president and CEO of the Artist Communities Alliance in Providence, Rhode Island. This organization supports artists and residency programs throughout the United States and internationally.
Vision for the Future
Funderburke shared her vision for the museum, emphasizing the importance of being “responsive, collaborative, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.” She remarked, “Throughout my career, I have seen how cultural institutions function as essential civic infrastructure.” Her intention is to position the Newark Museum of Art as a leader in discussions surrounding art, science, and cultural exchange.
Her previous roles include serving as associate director at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte, North Carolina. Funderburke has also collaborated with several notable organizations, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Performing Arts Alliance, and the Center for Cultural Innovation.
As she steps into her new role, Funderburke will oversee a nonprofit institution with an impressive collection of over 300,000 works. This collection focuses on African, Asian, and American paintings and sculptures, complemented by objects of scientific significance. The museum’s grounds also feature a historic 1784 schoolhouse and the John Ballantine House, a restored mansion that belonged to a notable 19th-century Newark beer baron.
The NMOA operates on an annual budget of $18 million, employing 86 full-time and 69 part-time staff members. Its campus is part of the Newark Arts & Entertainment District, a project conceived under Harrison’s leadership and designated by Mayor Ras J. Baraka.
In a statement of support, Mayor Baraka commended Funderburke’s “artistic sensibilities, appreciation for analytical data, passion for the world around us, and belief in the transformative agency of people.” With her unique background and vision, Funderburke is set to lead the Newark Museum of Art into a new era, bridging the gap between science and art for the benefit of the community.
