After nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the North Carolina Arts Council, Deputy Director Vicki Vitiello has announced her retirement. Her last day at the agency is August 1, 2026.
Anyone with even a passing familiarity with our work knows how significant Vicki’s insight, deep institutional knowledge, and steady leadership have been to the agency over the past three decades. As the NC Arts Council approaches its 60th anniversary next year, Vicki’s tenure has spanned nearly half of our history. Among her many accomplishments, a few highlights include:
Overseeing the transition of A+ Schools of North Carolina into the NC Arts Council in 2010 and being instrumental in growing the program’s annual operating budget by more than 500% since that time. Vicki was also part of the effort to establish the A+ Schools endowment, ensuring long-term sustainability for this nationally recognized program.
Serving as staff support for the legislative Arts Education Task Force in 2010, which convened to write North Carolina’s Comprehensive Arts Education Plan, a document that still informs the state’s approach to arts learning.
Supporting Hurricane Helene recovery in western North Carolina, overseeing the distribution of $915,000 in much-needed funds to nonprofit arts organizations and guiding strategies to revitalize the region’s craft and creative industries.
Helping establish the North Carolina Creative Forces Initiative, which uses the arts to support healing and resilience in military-connected communities.
Co-founding the ArtsMarket Booking Conference with Stephen Barefoot, former director of the North Carolina Presenters Consortium.
Vicki also previously served as NC Arts Council’s Director of Operations, Senior Program Director for Arts Participation and Learning, and Director of Touring and Presenting.
Vicki’s departure leaves a significant vacancy in our organization, but her tireless work has positioned the NC Arts Council and its programs for a successful future. Her commitment to artists’ professional development, arts education, and community engagement has strengthened programs, expanded opportunities, and laid a lasting foundation for the arts in North Carolina.
So please join us in congratulating Vicki on a well-earned retirement and thanking her for her many contributions to the state’s arts ecosystem!