The Helis Foundation's John Scott Center has appointed Brandon V. Lewis as its new director after a nationwide search, it announced on Wednesday.
The center, an initiative through the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, is an art museum and community space in New Orleans’ Central Business District. It was named after the late teacher, artist and humanist John Scott.
Lewis, an established museum educator and artist, previously worked as the public programs manager at the LSU Museum of Art. Miranda Restovic, executive director of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, said Lewis has a lengthy record of planning and executing diverse and highly engaging programs.
“As an artist, I stand on the shoulders of great artists like John Scott,” Lewis said in a statement. “I want to continue to build on his legacy by inspiring communities, and the center as a safe, collaborative space for creatives and people to come together, celebrate life and unpack hard topics with change and hope as the unifying themes.”
Lewis also worked as the district fine arts director for the Baker school system in East Baton Rouge Parish. He launched his first solo art exhibit, “Say Amen, Somebody,” at the Ferrara Showman Gallery in New Orleans in spring 2023.