Longtime Resident To Lead Arlington Center For The Arts

ARLINGTON, MA — The Arlington Center for the Arts has named Arlington resident Tom Formicola its new executive director. The ACA board of directors came to a unanimous decision to hire Formicola, who will take over on Oct. 21.

Formicola has over 30 years of experience as an arts administrator in the region. He most recently served as the director of education and community engagement at the Boston Center for Adult Education and has also worked for the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Strand Theatre, the Ford Hall Forum and First Night Boston.

Formicola also served as a member and chair of the Arlington Cultural Council and recently appeared in productions at the Arlington Friends of the Drama.

"As a 15-year resident of Arlington and a big admirer of the ACA, I am grateful for this opportunity to join board and staff members in the inspiring work of building community through the arts," Formicola said in a statement. "I look forward to leading the charge on broadening audiences, deepening relationships, and amplifying the quality of great programs that transform lives by providing all our neighbors with important opportunities to create and connect."

Those who are interested in welcoming Tom into his new role are invited to join the ACA at one of several upcoming events:

• Arlington Open Studios Opening Preview Reception at Town Hall on October 18, 7-9pm
• Very Superstitious Exhibition Opening Reception on October 25, 7-9pm
• Arlington Open Studios at the Central School building and Town Hall, November 16, 11am – 6pm
• ACA Annual Meeting and Small Works Holiday Show Opening Reception on December 6, 7-9pm

"We're thrilled to welcome Tom Formicola as ACA's new Executive Director," ACA Board Co-Chairs Liz Buchanan and Margaret Moody said in a release. "He has a long and distinguished record of leadership in the arts in Boston, across the state, and in Arlington. Tom's experience and his passion for community arts will serve ACA and Arlington very well."