Luis Cancel Announces Resignation from San Francisco Arts Commission

San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that he has accepted the resignation of Luis R. Cancel, the Director of Cultural Affairs and the head of the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC). Mr. Cancel’s last day will be Friday, July 8, 2011. The SFAC will select an Interim Director on Monday, July 11th and immediately commence a search for a permanent Director of Cultural Affairs.

“Mr. Cancel has informed me of his desire to return to New York City and I want to thank him for his leadership of the San Francisco Arts Commission over the last three-and-a-half years. While he began his tenure in 2007, Mr. Cancel agreed to stay on long enough for a smooth transition,” said Mayor Lee. “We wish him well and appreciate his work to increase awareness of the importance of the cultural sector to our City’s economy.”

During Mr. Cancel’s tenure the Arts Commission completed its first Strategic Plan, helped to revitalize The Mexican Museum, launched the television program CultureWire, and saw the introduction and utilization of social media tools to communicate with San Franciscans.

Read the full announcement from San Francisco Arts Commission.