CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Bologna Performing Arts Center (BPAC) at Delta State University announces the selection of Lauren Powell as its new Executive Director. With an impressive background in arts management, community engagement, and design, Powell brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role.
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a BA degree and an Associate of Arts in Interior Design from Brooks College in Long Beach, CA, Powell’s career has been marked by dedication to the arts and creative expression. She most recently served as the Executive Director of the Delta Arts Alliance (DAA), an arts nonprofit serving the Mississippi Delta, where she managed finances, personnel, programming, and community outreach.
“I’m incredibly thankful for my time at DAA and the wonderful connections I’ve made through a shared love for the Arts in our community,” said Powell. “I’m certain these connections will continue to serve well and provide meaningful partnerships at the BPAC, which is an incredible asset to Delta State and beyond. The Delta region’s arts & culture is thriving, and I look forward to joining the incredible team at the BPAC and continue serving our region through the Arts.”
In addition to her leadership at the Delta Arts Alliance, Powell is the former owner of Lauren Powell Design, a notable design firm originally based in Austin, Texas, with a portfolio that includes features in esteemed publications such as Vogue, Elle Magazine, and Southern Living. Her expertise in creative direction spans interiors, web design, retail, as well as hospitality and residential projects. Powell transitioned from owning and operating her own business in Texas when she joined the non-profit sector with the DAA in 2021.
Powell’s commitment to community involvement is evident through her service on various boards and committees, including the Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden committee and the board of Team Cleveland, an accredited Mississippi Main Street organization. She also served as a Grant Panelist for the Mississippi Arts Commission in 2023, showcasing her proficiency in grant acquisition and arts funding.
As the new Executive Director of the BPAC, Powell will head the operations and programming efforts of the renowned 1,154-seat regional theater located in Cleveland on the campus of Delta State University. The BPAC, known for its two performance halls and as the host site of the Mathews-Sanders Sculpture Garden, plays a vital role in enriching the cultural life of the Delta community through its mainstage series and educational programs, serving approximately 25,000 patrons annually. The center’s mission–to celebrate the arts, connect artists and audiences, and to educate, and deepen the appreciation of artistic expression–aligns perfectly with Powell’s vision and expertise.
“After an intensive national search, we are delighted to welcome Lauren Powell as our new Executive Director,” said Dr. Myrtis Tabb, chair of the BPAC Executive Director search committee and former Associate Vice President of Finance and Administration at Delta State University. “Her diverse background, proven leadership, and dedication to the arts make her an ideal fit to lead BPAC into its next chapter of growth and impact.”
“We’re thrilled to have Lauren as our new executive director to lead our staff into the 30th Anniversary Season of BPAC programming,” said Paula Lindsey, Associate Director of Production at the center. “We’re excited about her expertise in fundraising and her new ideas for the continued success of the Bologna Performing Arts Center.”
Lauren Powell assumed her role as Executive Director of the Bologna Performing Arts Center on April 1. For more information about the BPAC and upcoming events, visit bolognapac.com.
