Markus Gottschlich, Executive Director of the Warehouse Arts District Association since 2022, is stepping down and will leave the organization at the end of July.
In its announcement, the WADA board did not specify a reason for Gottschlich’s departure, but noted that he “spearheaded a period of significant institutional growth and campus revitalization,” expanding its footprint and programming, as well as securing “critical” funding.
“The Board extends its deepest gratitude to Markus for his transformative dedication and wishes him every success in his future endeavors,” it said.
In a Facebook post, WADA also announced the departures of Manager of Events Rodolfo Troncoso and Director of Arts Education and Community Outreach Vicky Lang.
Chris Eaton, former director of the Sunscreen Film Festival, has been named Interim Executive Director.
Gottschlich has been a staunch supporter of artists’ rights in St. Petersburg. “A city that prides itself on the arts would do well to increase the integration and frequency of arts leaders in planning and budgeting decision-making processes,” he told the Catalyst during his first year.
“Creating and nurturing vibrant art spaces as the city expands is not only the ‘right thing to do,’ it increases measurable standards such as walkability, profits in the surrounding hospitality and service industry venues and the overall quality of life factors – to name a few.
“To do this well, the arts and culture venues, let alone entire districts, need to be treated and nurtured as public assets.”