President & CEO Susie Surkamer to retire in June 2025, as regional arts organization enters its next era
Atlanta, GA - October 22, 2024 - South Arts has announced today that Susie Surkamer will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2025, following a 13-year tenure leading the regional arts organization. The announcement comes as the organization approaches its 50th anniversary, marking a significant moment of transition and paving the way for a new era in its history. A search has begun for a new Executive Director to lead the organization and build on Surkamer's legacy.
"It has been a tremendous privilege to serve this organization and our region for much of my career," said Susie Surkamer. "I am incredibly proud and grateful to have contributed to South Arts' impact in supporting artists and communities across the Southeast, this work is instrumental in sustaining our region's capacity for growth. As I look ahead, I am excited to watch the organization continue to thrive, knowing that even if my role is just a small part of its legacy, it will be one of my greatest honors."
Surkamer has been a champion for the growth and development of the region's artistic and cultural landscape for nearly five decades. Before becoming South Art's chief executive in 2012, she served on the board for 15 years, including a term as board chair from 2002-2004.
Under her leadership, South Arts has expanded its budget by 500%, developing key initiatives and a strengthened capacity to serve its nine-state region. Surkamer created the flagship Southern Prize & State Fellowship program, then doubled its support in the last two years with an additional focus on Literary Arts. Surkamer has also been instrumental in establishing new funding streams for BIPOC-led and -serving organizations, furthering the organization's commitment to equity and capacity-building in the arts with regional initiatives like Southern Cultural Treasures alongside national programs such as ArtsHERE.
"Over the last decade, South Arts has established itself as a leading supporter of the arts among the region, a testament to the work and influence of Susie Surkamer," said South Arts Board Chair Neil Barclay. "It is thanks to her commitment to and deep admiration for our region that we have been able to expand and strengthen South Arts' work, and we are beyond appreciative to have had her at the helm, steering our mission to support the South's vitality through the arts."
Beyond her work at South Arts, Surkamer has been a champion for the field nationwide. Her contributions include serving as Treasurer of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, Chairman of the board of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (2009-2011), and roles on several prestigious committees, including the Coca-Cola Scholarship National Selection Committee and Clemson University President's Advisory Committee. She also previously served as Executive Director of the South Carolina Arts Commission.
Surkamer's dedication to the arts has earned her numerous accolades, including Winthrop University's Medal of Honor in the Arts (2006), the Gary Young Award from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (2008), the McNair Award from the South Carolina Arts Foundation (2011), and the Halsey and Alice North Board Alumni Award from the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (2019).
As Surkamer begins her transition from South Arts, the organization approaches its 50th anniversary-a milestone that offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the organization's achievements and enduring dedication to strengthening the arts field.
For more information on South Arts' leadership, programming, and grant opportunities, please visit southarts.org.
About South Arts
South Arts advances Southern vitality through the arts. The nonprofit regional arts organization was founded in 1975 to build on the South’s unique heritage and enhance the public value of the arts. South Arts’ work responds to the arts environment and cultural trends with a regional perspective. South Arts offers an annual portfolio of activities designed to support the success of artists and arts providers in the South, address the needs of Southern communities through impactful arts-based programs, and celebrate the excellence, innovation, value and power of the arts of the South. For more information, visit www.southarts.org.
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