Lied Center director to retire

The executive and artistic director of the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Charles Bethea, today announced he is retiring from the post he has held since 1997 to pursue other opportunities.

"I am pleased that I have had the opportunity to help the Lied Center evolve into a nationally-recognized performing arts center," Bethea said. "The Lied Center staff and its programming have attracted a strong core of patrons, and those relationships are so important to what we have been able to accomplish."

Bethea was the 2006 recipient of the Lincoln Arts Council Leadership in the Arts Award, and under his leadership, the Lied Center was named Organization of the Year in 2008 by the Nebraska Arts Council. Bethea worked to strengthen partnerships with other UNL entities, connecting the mission of the Lied Center to the academic mission of UNL through projects such as "1984 Crimethink," "Fate or Faith," and "Project X." Bethea also implemented AdvetureLIED, statewide outreach programs to connect artists to new and diverse audiences. Programs within the AdventureLIED project include Arts Across Nebraska, Free at 6, and LiedFAMFEST.

"I applaud the way in which Charles has broadened the reach of the Lied Center. His work to bring the arts to so many Nebraskans is a tremendous contribution to the state and its citizens," said UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman.

Although Bethea's retirement is effective immediately, he will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until mid-September in order to assure a smooth transition of leadership for the center. Day-to-day management will be handled by Associate Executive Director Laura Sweet until an interim director is appointed by the chancellor.