NEVADA COUNTY

Nevada County Arts & Culture has named Robin Garcia, Ph.D., as its next executive director beginning Oct. 1, following a four-month search that drew nearly 140 applicants.

Garcia succeeds Eliza Tudor, who is stepping down after 10 years as executive director. Tudor will remain in the post through Sept. 30 and will continue in an advisory capacity through at least the end of the year to support Garcia, the board, and the leadership transition.

Garcia brings 20 years of experience across arts and cultural policy, government, community engagement, and higher education, including work with the New York City Mayor’s Office, Los Angeles County, the City of Santa Monica and, most recently, the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Her work has ranged from public engagement and cultural policy to arts administration, public art, and a multi-million countywide arts and wellness initiative delivered through more than 100 community-based organizations.

Her appointment comes as Culture Forward, Nevada County’s six-year Arts & Culture Action Plan, moves from planning into implementation. The plan connects arts and culture with wider priorities including economic development, workforce development, sustainable tourism and regional identity, education, and community well-being.

“I am honored to join Nevada County Arts & Culture at a moment when so much careful listening, planning, and relationship-building has already taken place,” Garcia said. “My first priority will be to listen — to artists and cultural workers, residents, businesses, public leaders, and community partners — and to understand how I can best help carry that work forward.”

Nevada County Arts & Culture is Nevada County’s designated state-local partner with the California Arts Council and administers the Grass Valley–Nevada City and Truckee California Cultural Districts. Garcia assumes the role on Oct. 5.

~ Nevada County Arts & Culture press release