The Next Stage Arts Project has hired Maria Basescu as its first Executive Director. Supported by a two-year matching grant from the Fresh Sound Foundation, Next Stage is continuing its remarkable evolution since its founding in 2011, now professionalizing its leadership as it enters the third year of operations.
Maria Basescu served previously on the board of Next Stage, and as President of Annapurna Concerts, a cultural events production company since 1986. A senior advisor with the strategic communications firm, Denterlein, Basescu has also served on the leadership teams of a range of organizations, including Emerson College’s Division of Performing Arts, Marlboro College, the Brattleboro Retreat and Northern Berkshire Healthcare. Basescu is a graduate of Dartmouth College and The Snelling Center for Government’s Vermont Leadership Institute.
“Next Stage embodies so much of what I value; rural community cultural revival, supported by a world-class board of directors and passionate volunteers. I am excited about our work ahead in cultivating this national gem,” said Basescu.
Next Stage Arts Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing Putney’s cultural and economic village center through the programming, development and operation of Next Stage.
Early in 2011, Next Stage partnered with the Putney Historical Society to preserve and enhance the historic building at 15 Kimball Hill, formerly the United Church of Putney. Since then NSAP has hosted dozens of events including classical, folk, and popular music concerts, a weekly community film series, and a spoken word series. Artists have included musicians Jonathan Edwards, the Wiyos, Chris Smither, Tony Trischka, Patty Larkin and Christine Ohlman from the Saturday Night Live band, Pulitzer-Prize winning author Tim Weiner, psychologist Dr. Carol Gilligan, Governor Madeleine Kunin, filmmaker Joel Katz, slam poet Taylor Mali, and guitar-maker Michael Millard with Will Ackerman, in an event with support from Vermont Public Radio. A hallmark of Next Stage’s programming has been the collaboration with other area cultural and educational institutions including Yellow Barn Music, Twilight Music, and Next Stage’s visiting artists also regularly conducting workshops in area schools.