NEWPORT, RI (October 14, 2021) – newportFILM announced the appointment of Cathleen Carr as its new executive director.

Carr comes to newportFILM with nearly 20 years of arts, culture and non-profit experience. Since 2013, Carr has served as director of programs as well as director of innovation and engagement for New York City’s Opening Act, which brings theater-based programming to over 50 NYC public schools. As part of the senior leadership team, she focused on program expansion, organizational growth, strategic planning, external communications, public engagement, fundraising and development. Under Carr’s guidance, Opening Act increased partnerships by more than 80%, launched corporate engagement programming, exceeded digital fundraising goals, doubled audience size for live performances, and created innovative virtual programming. Prior to Opening Act, Carr worked as a producer and performer in Chicago, Boston, and NYC.

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Cathleen as our new Executive Director,” said Board Chair Kimberly Palmer in a statement.

newportFILM’s Co-founder and Artistic Director, Andrea van Beuren added, “As soon as I met Cathleen and heard her speak about her passion for non-profit arts programming and her interest in expanding her own role as a cultural leader, I knew we had found a great fit for our organization. I look forward to beginning our new journey together as newportFILM continues to grow in influence within our community.”

“I’m thrilled to join the brilliant team at newportFILM and contribute mightily to its incredible mission,” Carr said in a statement. “I’ve long been an admirer of Newport’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape and am energized to collaborate with newportFILM’s valuable partners and supporters to bring impactful documentaries and programming that spark dialogue, imagination and change.”

NewportFILM’s series brings over 20,000 movie-goers from around the world each year. 2021 marks the 12th season of hosting year-round documentary film screenings at unique, picturesque indoor and outdoor locations on and around historic Aquidneck Island. The locations are often thoughtfully paired with each film’s topic. The majority of the year-round program is free to the public.

newportFILM’s mission is to inspire, educate, and entertain by presenting current and impactful documentaries that build community and propel change.