Governors Island Welcomes Lauren Haynes as New Head Curator
Governors Island, one of New York City’s most cherished cultural havens, embarks on an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Lauren Haynes as the Head Curator and Vice President for Arts and Culture. This significant move by The Trust for Governors Island and Governors Island Arts signals a promising future for the island’s vibrant arts scene.
A New Vision for Arts and Culture
Lauren Haynes, celebrated for her extensive expertise in the arts, joins the Governors Island team after a noteworthy tenure at the Queens Museum. Her role as Director of Curatorial Affairs and Programs there showcased her ability to curate impactful exhibitions and foster community engagement. Haynes’s appointment is a testament to Governors Island’s commitment to enhancing its status as a premier destination for artistic expression and cultural experiences.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed his enthusiasm for Haynes’s arrival, stating, “New York City remains the global capital for the arts, a haven for cultural expression, and the home of the best and brightest talent from around the globe. With world-renowned artist Lauren Hayes joining Governors Island, New York City is proving that our reputation still stands true.”
A Collaborative Future
Haynes herself is eager to contribute to the island’s cultural legacy. “I am thrilled to join the team at The Trust for Governors Island and Governors Island Arts at this key moment in the organization’s trajectory,” she said. “I look forward to developing programming and working with artists to create projects and exhibitions for New Yorkers and everyone who visits our city.”
Clare Newman, President & CEO of The Trust for Governors Island, highlighted the significance of Haynes’s leadership. “Our cultural offerings have grown significantly over the past five years, and Lauren is the best person to continue our expansion as an arts destination for both New Yorkers and visitors from around the globe.”
Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer noted that Haynes’s innovative vision would further solidify New York City’s position as a leading cultural hub, benefiting the city’s diverse workforce and enriching the public space with engaging art projects.
Celebrating a Diverse Background
Lauren Haynes’s journey in the art world is marked by her roles at prominent institutions like the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Her curatorial work, including significant exhibitions and public art projects, has been instrumental in shaping contemporary art discourse.
Before her illustrious career in curation, Haynes’s roots trace back to East Tennessee. Her move to New York City at age 12 marked the beginning of an extraordinary path in the arts. Her dedication and visionary approach to curatorial practice have earned her appointments to prestigious committees, including the Committee for the Preservation of the White House by President Joseph R. Biden.
Governors Island’s Cultural Renaissance
Since opening to the public in 2005, Governors Island has evolved into a vital cultural resource, offering an array of artistic and cultural programs. The introduction of the first Head Curator and Vice President for Arts and Culture in 2016 has led to an exponential growth in the island’s cultural offerings, attracting visitors and artists alike.
As Lauren Haynes takes the helm, Governors Island is poised for an era of unparalleled artistic innovation and community engagement. Her leadership promises to enrich the island’s cultural landscape, inviting New Yorkers and visitors from around the world to experience the transformative power of the arts in this unique urban oasis.
