Scottsdale Arts Names New Director of Performing Arts
After a national search, Scottsdale Arts has named Amy Nesbitt its new director of performing arts.
Nesbitt, who currently serves as the executive and artistic director of the annual Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF) in Ann Arbor, Mich, will lead the programming team of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and oversee the implementation of music, dance, theater, film and family events.
“Amy Nesbitt brings exceptional qualifications and experience to Scottsdale Arts,” said President and CEO Neale Perl. “Her deep knowledge of the performing arts, strong management skills and collaborative approach will be great assets to our organization. We look forward to working with Amy, and to an exciting and inspiring new season at the Center.”
During her time at the A2SF, Nesbitt helped expand the festival’s programming, partnerships and community engagement and is also responsible for setting up software for managing a performing arts venue. It now encompasses 175 events during its month-long season and hosts an audience of over 80,000 people.
Nesbitt has also served as the Midwest and performing arts center agent at Fleming Artists agency, and has a long history in video and film production. In 1997, she received the New Orleans Film Festival’s Lumiere Award for “Best New Louisiana Filmmaker,” and in 1995 she was recognized at the New Orleans Shorts Festival.
She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University and has studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy.
“Scottsdale Arts offers remarkable creative and collaborative opportunities across many artistic disciplines,” Nesbitt said. “I’m excited to join their excellent team and to share new performing arts experiences – from renowned marquee artists to emerging talents – with this dynamic community.”
Nesbitt will begin her role in August, taking over the center’s previous director, Ally Haynes-Hamblen, who was named director of cultural affairs for the city of Las Vegas earlier this year.
