FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hartford native, philanthropic leader, and cultural strategist to lead one of the nation’s oldest
African American cultural institutions into its 40th anniversary.
HARTFORD, CT, June 30, 2026 — The Amistad Center for Art & Culture has appointed Francine Austin as its new Executive Director effective July 1st, 2026, marking the beginning of a new era of leadership for one of the nation’s oldest African American independent cultural institutions as it prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The Amistad Center is located within The Wadsworth, the nation’s oldest public art museum.
The appointment was announced at The Amistad Center’s 35th Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration, where more than 300 guests gathered to honor freedom, history, and community. When Board President Jeff Moyer named Austin as the organization’s next leader, the room rose in a standing ovation — a response that reflected both the spirit of the evening and the respect Austin has earned over more than two decades of work across the cultural and philanthropic sectors.
“Following an extensive search, the Board of Trustees enthusiastically selected Francine Austin as our next Executive Director,” said Jeff Moyer, President of the Board of Trustees. “Francine brings visionary leadership, entrepreneurial thinking, deep fundraising expertise, and a proven ability to turn bold ideas into measurable results. As we approach our 40th anniversary, we are confident she is the right leader to strengthen our foundation and expand our impact. We are thrilled to welcome her and to write the next chapter of The
Amistad Center together.”
Guests at the celebration included Congressman John B. Larson and former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, along with corporate executives, philanthropists, artists, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and community partners from across Connecticut and beyond. Chaired for the third consecutive year by Austin and Diane Cloud, Founding Trustee and Vice President of the Board of Trustees, the celebration honored The Hartford as the Legacy Sponsor and Eversource as the Amistad Circle Sponsor.
For Austin, the appointment is both a career milestone and a homecoming.
“Art has the power to educate, inspire, and connect people across generations and communities,” Austin said. “I accept this position with gratitude, confidence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
As Executive Director, Austin will lead The Amistad Center into its next chapter— expanding educational programming, cultivating major philanthropic partnerships, growing membership, and elevating the institution’s national profile while welcoming broader and more diverse audiences. Her vision pairs deep respect for the Center’s legacy with a focus on innovation, growth, and long-term sustainability.
About Francine Austin
Francine Austin is an entrepreneur, cultural strategist, executive producer, and the Founder and CEO of Francine Entertainment & Marketing. Over the course of her career, she has strengthened nonprofit organizations, built lasting philanthropic partnerships, and secured more than $1.6 million in funding for cultural, civic, and educational initiatives. A Hartford native with deep community roots, she is known for her collaborative approach and her gift for translating ambitious ideas into lasting impact.
About The Amistad Center for Art & Culture
Founded in 1987, The Amistad Center for Art & Culture is an independent 501(c)(3)
organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the art, history, and culture
of people of African descent through exhibitions, educational programming, scholarship, and
community engagement. The Amistad Center is located within The Wadsworth and open to the
public Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit amistadcenter.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Francine Austin
Executive Director
The Amistad Center for Art & Culture
860.655.6322
Faustin@amistadcenter.org
Jeff Moyer
President of the Board of Trustees
The Amistad Center for Art & Culture
860.948.8970
moyerjm1@gmail.com