Arts Council CEO Dave Lawrence leaving after 19 years

Correction: A earlier version of this story incorrectly said David Lawrence had been in his current position for 19 years. Lawrence has been with the Arts Council for 19 years, including the last nine years as president.

Dave Lawrence

David Lawrence is stepping down as president and CEO of the Arts Council of Indianapolis after 19 years in with the organization, 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 at 924 N. Pennsylvania St.

Lawrence joined the Arts Council in 1999 and became vice president in 2005. He was named president in 2009 after the departure of Greg Charleston.

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.”