NEA Chairman Announces Retirement Plans

Today, Rocco Landesman confirmed his plans to step down as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts at the end of the calendar year:

"My intention has always been to serve one term, and we have been able to accomplish more than I had ever thought possible: sparking a national movement around creative placemaking, forging significant relationships with other federal agencies, creating an unprecedented healing arts partnership with the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and increasing both the scope and impact of our research office.

"We have continued to support and strengthen the entire spectrum of arts in this country, and we have been able to expand the national conversation through convenings, traditional media, and new technology. I am proud and honored to have served alongside such an amazing group of dedicated public servants.

"The time has come for me to become a cliché: I turned 65, am going to retire, and cannot wait to spend more time in Miami Beach."

NEA Senior Deputy Chairman Joan Shigekawa will serve as the acting head of the agency until a permanent successor is confirmed.

Robert Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts, has released a statement regarding the news of Chairman Landesman's retirement plans.