YBCA Announces Maricelle Robles as New CEO

New Appointee Brings Local and National Arts Leadership Experience to Inspire YBCA’s Future

San Francisco, CA (December 12, 2024) – Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is pleased to announce Maricelle (Mari) Robles as its new Chief Executive Officer. Robles brings a wealth of experience as a distinguished arts leader and cultural practitioner dedicated to connecting all people to the transformative power of the arts. Under her inspired stewardship, YBCA is poised to strengthen its standing as a community anchor, a home for artists, and an international beacon for artistic excellence.

“YBCA is a critically important institution in the Bay Area, with a rich history of supporting exceptional artists, offering diverse multidisciplinary programming, and serving as a gathering space for communities from across the area,” Robles said. “I’m excited to jump into the role of CEO and help YBCA thrive as a cultural hub for the Bay Area community and a global leader in the arts.”

Robles’ impressive career spans leadership roles at some of the world’s most esteemed arts institutions. Since 2020, she has served as Executive Director at Headlands Center for the Arts, a multidisciplinary residency program located in Golden Gate National Recreation Area. There, she championed creative processes for artists and the public, overseeing transformative programming and fostering meaningful community connections.

Previously, Robles worked at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York as Educator in Charge, Public Programs and Engagement. In this role, she implemented artist-driven and scholarly programming and spearheaded impactful initiatives, including the Civic Practice Partnership and the Collaborative on Creative Practice and Social Justice. Her leadership extended to developing partnerships across 21 curatorial departments, enriching the museum’s engagement with diverse community stakeholders.

Her career also includes pivotal roles at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the DreamYard Art Center in the Bronx. Across these institutions, Robles crafted progressive approaches to pedagogy and engagement, leveraging the arts as a tool for sustainable community-building, civic participation, and social change.

“The YBCA Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Maricelle Robles as our new CEO,” said Malia Simonds and Robin Abad Ocubillo, Co-Chairs of the YBCA Board of Directors. “Mari has a stellar track record as an arts leader. She’s shown she can develop groundbreaking arts programming, and that she can build relationships with communities both locally and nationally. We are confident and excited that, under her leadership, YBCA will build on our mission to be a gathering space of creative expression that fosters meaningful connection for all.”

Robles’ tenure at YBCA begins with a strong focus on community alignment and strategic planning. “Foremost, it’s about bringing the community together and envisioning what we want to see in 2025,” Robles said. “I’m looking forward to meeting with staff, engaging with stakeholders, and identifying areas where we can grow – both quickly and sustainably.”

Under her leadership, YBCA will continue its commitment to bold contemporary art and cultural programming for the many communities of the Bay Area. Recent noteworthy shows include Nick Dong: 11 to 88, and Nicky Nodjoumi: The Personal is Political and Nahid Hagigat: Etched in Time. Robles also plans to deepen relationships with longstanding partners while expanding YBCA’s reach to new audiences.

“From arts education to exhibitions and performances, YBCA has something for everyone, and supporting artists who push boundaries and present innovative work is key to staying relevant,” Robles said. “We have a unique opportunity to be in lockstep with how artists are working today, and I’m excited to contribute my ideas—to stay true to our roots, while adapting to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.”

As YBCA prepares for the future, Robles is committed to shaping a culture of openness and transparency across the organization. By enhancing accountability and engaging deeply with staff, artists, funders, and the broader community, she aims to solidify YBCA’s position as a strong community player and a must-visit cultural destination. With Maricelle’s extensive experience, deep passion for the arts, and forward-thinking leadership, Robles is set to guide YBCA into an exciting new chapter.

###

About YBCA:

Opened to the public in 1993, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) was founded as the cultural anchor of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. Our work spans the realms of contemporary art, performance, film, civic engagement, and public life. By centering artists as essential to social and cultural movement, YBCA is reimagining the role an arts institution can play in the communities it serves. For more information, visit ybca.org.

YBCA is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Tickets can be purchased in person or reserved in advance at ybca.org. 

As part of San Francisco’s Downtown First Thursdays, YBCA is open until 8pm each first Thursday of the month, offering additional programming and special events. Admission is free every Wednesday and on the second Sunday of each month.

[email protected]