Arkansas Art Center director resigns

Todd Herman has resigned as executive director of the Little Rock-based Arkansas Arts Center, according to a statement from the center. His resignation is effective Aug. 10.

Laine Harber, deputy director and chief financial officer, will act as interim director until the position is filled. The AAC Board of Trustees is conducting a search for a successor.

“Our priorities for the Arkansas Arts Center remain unchanged as we move towards the groundbreaking of our new facility in the fall of 2019. We are encouraged by the positive response and participation from the community regarding our capital campaign, co-chaired by Harriet and Warren Stephens. Everyone in the organization is focused on making the AAC an unparalleled cultural destination for the citizens of central Arkansas and beyond,” Merritt Dyke, chairman and president of the Arkansas Arts Center Board of Trustees noted in a statement. “We thank Todd for his contributions to the AAC and his help launching this exciting transformation. We wish him the best in his new endeavor as Executive Director of The Mint Museum, a position which brings him closer to family, and look forward to working with Laine through this transition.”

The Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board will continue to implement the strategic plan developed in 2016. The Arkansas Arts Center redesign is underway with the new museum scheduled to open in 2022.

The AAC provides a venue for the visual and performing arts, including a collection of international art. The AAC also features the Children’s Theatre, art classes and public programs. The AAC also offers touring programs for communities, such as Children’s Theatre on Tour, the Artmobile and traveling exhibitions.