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October 30, 2025 - Bronx, NY – The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) announced the upcoming leadership transition of Executive Director Viviana Bianchi, who will be stepping down from her role on October 31, 2025, after eight years of dedicated service. The Board of Directors has appointed BCA Deputy Director Jesús López-Jensen as the next Executive Director, effective November 1, 2025.
“Viviana has accomplished so much alongside BCA staff, and she leaves the organization in a strong financial position–something many arts organizations struggle to achieve,” said Charles Rice-González, Chair of BCA’s Board of Directors. “The Board is indebted to her stewardship and wish Viviana well as she explores the next chapter of her life and career.”
For eight years, Ms. Bianchi guided BCA through a period of significant growth and transformation, including:
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Establishing a Permanent Home: The completion of the long-awaited relocation and renovation of BCA’s headquarters in Westchester Square, providing a dynamic and welcoming space for artists, cultural workers, and the community.
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Expanding Grantmaking and Capacity Building: BCA expanded its grantmaking programs, reaching more artists and arts organizations than ever before, while offering increased technical assistance and professional development to bolster sustainability and growth.
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Launching and Scaling Key Programs: Launched initiatives like the Bronx Cultural Assets Map, supported creative placemaking projects that bring art into everyday spaces, and curated programs that amplify the voices and talents of our richly diverse community.
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Responding to Crisis with Compassion and Creativity: During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, BCA pivoted quickly to meet urgent needs, launching emergency funding and virtual programming that kept creativity alive, and communities connected.
“Leading BCA has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. Together with my team, we have expanded the role of the arts in The Bronx, fostered a vibrant and inclusive cultural ecosystem, and strengthened our organization’s foundation for the future,” said Ms. Bianchi.
Jesús López-Jensen joined BCA in 2021 as Administration and Development Manager and was promoted to Deputy Director in 2023 helping lead the organization’s operations and institutional advancement alongside Bianchi. A proud Bronx resident and advocate, he managed finance and operations at Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) prior to his roles at BCA and previously worked in both language services and grants management software. He was one of 18 leaders selected for NYFA’s 2023 Incubator for Executive Leaders of Color and was appointed that same year to Bronx Community Board 7 by Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, where he serves on the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs committee. Originally from Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Mr. López-Jensen now calls Norwood home and holds a BA in German Literature and Italian Literary & Cultural Studies from the University of Connecticut.
“I’m deeply honored to become the next Executive Director of the Bronx Council on the Arts. The Bronx has often been at the vanguard of artistic innovation, and BCA has such an important history of cultural stewardship. This is a very powerful combination. I look forward to serving Bronx artists in my new role, and I’m excited for the many wonderful things we’ll accomplish together,” said Mr. López-Jensen.
Mr. Rice-González noted that “Jesús brings to this role a unique blend of operational excellence, artistic commitment, and community-centered leadership. He understands the importance of BCA’s mission and is deeply invested in the Bronx’s cultural ecosystem.”
“I have full confidence in Jesús’s leadership and know that BCA will continue to flourish in his hands. The mission and values we have championed together will continue to guide the organization forward, and I look forward to seeing how BCA evolves during his tenure,” added Ms. Bianchi.
In the coming months, there will be opportunities for partners and community members to meet Mr. López-Jensen and to learn more about his vision for the future.
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ABOUT THE BRONX COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
Founded by visionary community leaders in 1962, the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is a pioneer in advancing cultural equity in The Bronx. Our programs serve artists, the public, and the field at large by building connections, providing resources, and advocating for equitable practices. Then as now, we focus on supporting the work of underrepresented groups – especially artists of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Through this lens we offer free programs for seniors and youth and provide direct services to artists and community-based arts groups each year.
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The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council; the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature; Arts Midwest and the National Endowment for the Arts; the Coalition of Theaters of Color; the Cultural Immigrant Initiative; City Council Member Eric Dinowitz; and NYS Assemblymember Michael Benedetto. Also supported in part by the Howard Gilman Foundation, the Booth Ferris Foundation, the Scherman Foundation, the Altman Foundation, the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, the Tiger Baron Foundation, the New Yankee Stadium Community Benefits Fund, Amazon, BronxCare Health System, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, TD Bank, and Webster Bank.
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