Arlington Center For The Arts Appoints New Leader

A community staple has a new executive director after a seven-year tenure by the predecessor.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Sep 15, 2026 3:05 PM EDT

(Aneleise Ruggles)

ARLINGTON, MA — The Arlington Center for the Arts has named a new leader as the organization approaches four decades in the community.

Mary-Liz Murray was appointed the Arlington Center for the Arts' new Executive Director and will officially begin in the role on Saturday, Sept. 19. Murray was unanimously selected by the organization's Board of Directors following an extensive search. A Greater Boston native, Murray has more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with her career spanning professional and community theater, museums, public art, cultural landmarks, higher education, and other educational institutions. Her experience also includes organizational strategy, fundraising, marketing and communications, staff leadership, and mentorship. A lifelong theater maker, teaching artist, and producer, Murray said she plans to build on the organization's nearly four decades in Arlington while expanding opportunities for community members to participate in the arts.

"The arts have shaped both my life and my career, so the opportunity to lead an organization devoted to making creative experiences accessible and meaningful feels especially important to me," Murray said in a statement. "I'm eager to get to know even more of the ACA community, listen closely, and help build on everything that has made this organization such an important part of Arlington for nearly 40 years."

ACA Board Co-Chairs Julie Brown Neu and Sarah Buyer said Murray brings the "strategic vision, belief in the necessity of the arts, and deep commitment to community" the organization was looking for in its next leader. Community members will have several opportunities to meet Murray in the coming months, beginning with Arlington Town Day on Sept. 19. She is also expected to attend the Great Northeast Jug Band Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, the organization's annual meeting and dual opening receptions on Thursday, Oct. 15, and Arlington Open Studios on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The Arlington Center for the Arts was established in 1988 and offers classes, camps, exhibits, and other special events. The organization is located on the third and fourth floors of the Arlington Community Center at 20 Academy St.