Celeste M. Billeci, executive director of UCSB Arts & Lectures Miller McCune, will retire after 25 seasons

In a statement addressed to the UCSB campus community, Executive Vice Chancellor David Marshall wrote: “Celeste Billeci has been a transformational executive director of A&L, collaborating with faculty, staff, students and community members to enhance the educational and cultural mission of UC Santa Barbara. We thank her for her many contributions and look forward to A&L’s 65th anniversary season.”

Billeci was instrumental in fulfilling the arts and lectures department’s role in the university’s mission. By attracting top talent and faculty from afar, she has brought global resources to campus. By expanding A&L programs to sites in downtown Santa Barbara, she made the campus accessible to the public. Taking on the challenge posed by the pandemic, she maintained the financial viability of the organization during the long period when live performances were not possible due to the lockdown. During her tenure in Arts & Lectures, she has provided meaningful employment to hundreds of students and staff. “I am dedicated to my loyal employees,” says Billeci, “without them and the wonderful student workers who do everything from the box office to the events, none of this would be possible.”

Billeci thanks the many generous donors and patrons who have contributed to the organization over the past 25 years, stating that “the support that Arts & Lectures has received from the community is exemplary in every way. Their help and leadership made a difference, and the prestige that Arts & Lectures enjoys today is based on these efforts.”

In recent years, Billeci has taken Arts & Lectures from the front row of presentation to the forefront of commissioning efforts. Collaborations with other institutions such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and Cal Performances have benefited groups such as the Danish String Quartet, the Mark Morris Dance Group and Twyla Tharp Dance, as well as artists such as mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and cellist Alisa Weilerstein , violinist Jennifer. Ko and bass-baritone Davon Tynes create and present new work.

The university will conduct a national search for Billeci’s successor.

For now, Billeci is looking forward to delivering a stellar 65th anniversary season and ensuring the organization’s stability as it continues to entertain, educate and inspire for another 65 years and beyond.