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Appointed this week by Governor Andrew Cuomo, part-time East End resident Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel is the new chair of the New York State Council on the Arts, which is charged with preserving and expanding the state’s cultural resources.
Dr. Diamonstein-Spielvogel was the council’s vice chair in addition to being the chair of the Historic Landmarks Resource Center, a private nonprofit organization that promotes preservation of New York City’s historic buildings and neighborhoods.
She became New York City’s first director of cultural affairs in 1966 and she was a commissioner of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission from 1972 to 1987. Then from 1987 to 1995, she served as chair of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Foundation and underwrote the creation and placement of street signs, descriptive markers and maps for each of New York’s 84 historic districts.
“Barbaralee has dedicated her career to preserving and enriching cultural life across the state and across the nation,” Governor Cuomo said in a statement. “She is a leader whose knowledge, wide experience and energy will help shape our vision for cultural development and advance the future of the arts in New York.”
Dr. Diamonstein-Spielvogel’s resume also includes former White House staff assistant, member of the New York City Art Commission—now known as the Public Design Commission—and member of the New York City Commission of Cultural Affairs. Additionally, President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the board of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, President Bill Clinton appointed her to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and President Barack Obama appointed her to the American Battle Monuments Commission.
“It is a privilege and an honor to serve as chair of NYSCA,” Dr. Diamonstein-Spielvogel said. “The arts are integral to enhancing New York’s environment and values. I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo to move forward as we build on our past, and continue to develop all of the arts statewide.”
on Apr 25, 2016