516 ARTS Appoints New Executive Director, April Chalay

The Governing Board of 516 ARTS is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of April Chalay as its new Executive Director. Following a national search and series of interviews with top candidates, a committee of 516 ARTS board members and outside administrative leaders within the regional arts community selected Chalay as the most qualified to hold the position, shifting her from her current role as Interim Executive Director. Chalay’s accomplishments and leadership experience in the arts nonprofit sector will help 516 ARTS continue its expansion trajectory and build upon its nationally recognized reputation for fostering innovative contemporary art exhibitions and programs. Part of Chalay’s affirmed position will be continuing a collaboration with the City of Albuquerque in developing a new, larger downtown facility. The new facility will increase the organization’s engagement with and contribution to the arts and cultural life of Albuquerque and the region. “We couldn’t have put 516 ARTS on a better track than with April Chalay as our new Executive Director,” says Tim Price, Chair of the 516 ARTS Governing Board. “She did an amazing job carrying the organization through a transition period of the past year. We are fortunate to have the depth of her operational skills and her passionate vision to help us grow our impact on the broader arts community and in making a new and expanded space a reality.” 

April Chalay received a BFA in Fiber and Material Studies from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she developed a strong foundation in interdisciplinary fine art practices and conceptual development. She also holds a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Cornell University. She has served as the Director of Operations at the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center and Deputy Director at the Center for Contemporary Arts of Santa Fe. Chalay has served as Interim Executive Director since October of 2023, stewarding 516 ARTS’ transition from leadership under its founder, Suzanne Sbarge. “I am excited to be part of the growth at 516 ARTS as the new Executive Director,” April Chalay states. “Our mission resonates deeply with me, and I am looking forward to strengthening our presence in Albuquerque and beyond. As an artist, I have a special appreciation for this organization, and I am grateful to be part of such a dynamic and visionary team, especially during this period of significant physical and operational expansion.” The Governing Board and staff of 516 ARTS congratulate and officially welcome April Chalay into her new role, and look forward to the organization’s continued growth.