Has been with nonprofit since 2010
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 19, 2015) — Clifton Center executive director John Harris last week submitted his resignation to the organization’s Board of Directors and will step aside at the end of December. Harris said he wants to focus on the development of new projects that link arts and cultural resources with community needs and to work more closely with organizations seeking technical support for their cultural programming efforts.
“My decision to leave the Clifton Center was very difficult because I’m still invigorated by the mission of the organization and by the amazing people associated with the Center,” said Harris. “The board, staff and many patrons, donors, and stakeholders have helped us build a community center that truly lives up to its mission ‘to serve as a gathering place for art, culture, and ideas that enrich our community.’ In the end, I felt it was the right time for me to move on to new challenges and to make room for new ideas and new leadership at the Clifton Center.”
Harris, who joined the Clifton Center staff in 2010, oversaw an organizational transformation that led to an expansion of arts and cultural programming at the Center, including the reestablishment of the “Live at the Clifton Center” concert series, which features performances by a diverse array of performers from around the world, as well as a wide variety of films, lectures, and community gatherings.
Also established during his tenure was “The Louisville Heritage Project,” an outreach and education program that connects young people with diverse cultural traditions. Harris spearheaded the development of programming partnerships with organizations including the Louisville Visual Art Association, the University of Louisville, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, the Coalition for the Homeless, Theatre [502], the Louisville Folk School, and others. The Taste of Frankfort Avenue, the Clifton Center’s annual celebration of the neighborhood’s many fine restaurants and the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, was expanded during his tenure and now includes a greater focus on the music and art that is central to the Center’s mission.
The board is preparing to appoint an interim director to oversee operations until the search for a permanent replacement can be completed.
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