Melissa Kuscin

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) has announced the appointment of Melissa Kuscin to director of programming and events. She previously served as the organization’s programming and marketing manager.

An ACP press release notes, “If you have attended an ACP event, admired one of the many murals around town, received a newsletter from the Arts Council, or engaged with ACP on social media in the past decade, chances are you’ve experienced Melissa’s creative vision and dedication firsthand. Throughout her tenure, Melissa has been instrumental in developing inspired arts and cultural programming that reflects the diversity and unique interests of the Princeton community.”

Kuscin’s contributions include spearheading programs such as Princeton Porchfest, the Princeton Sketchbook Club, monthly poetry and spoken word open mic Story & Verse, the Hometown Halloween Parade, and BYOB Series, to name a few. She co-coordinates ACP’s public art program and well-known seasonal art markets, Sauce for the Goose and the Princeton Art Bazaar, with Artistic Director Maria Evans. She partners often with fellow nonprofits, University groups, and individual artists to bring programs to life.

In her most recent role as programming and marketing manager, Kuscin led the Arts Council’s 2021 rebrand and website overhaul. Since 2018 she’s managed ACP’s digital, print, and social media presence, increasing the organization’s Instagram reach by more than 200 percent.

In her new role, Kuscin will expand her leadership in developing vibrant community-centered programs, while deepening partnerships and fostering opportunities for all ages to learn, create, and grow.

“Melissa brings not only years of experience and deep institutional knowledge to this role, but also an unmatched enthusiasm for connecting people through the arts,” said Adam Welch, executive director of the Arts Council of Princeton. “Her creativity and passion for community building are the heartbeat of so much of what we do. We’re thrilled to see her step into this new chapter.”

Assuming the marketing/public relations associate role at the Arts Council is Fiona Clark, who grew up in Princeton and has been involved with ACP from a young age, taking classes as a child. Over the years, she has been an artist-in-residence, painted murals, and exhibited artwork with the Arts Council. She moved to New York City post-graduation to pursue a career in graphic design and worked as a digital art director in the fashion industry for 10 years before deciding to pursue a career focused on the arts. Now in her Marketing and PR role with the Arts Council, she is able to help promote fellow artists and diverse community programming.

The Arts Council of Princeton is at 102 Witherspoon Street. For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org or call (609) 924-8777.