Adele Bauman confirmed by Executive Council to lead NH State Council on the Arts

Adele Bauman was unanimously confirmed today by New Hampshire’s Executive Council as director of the N.H. State Council on the Arts. Gov. Chris Sununu nominated her for the position at the July 19 Council meeting.

Bauman comes to the Arts Council after 16 years at the N.H. Division of Health and Human Services, where her work focused on the youth sector, including mental health services. While there, she was instrumental in developing the “Magnify Voices Expressive Arts Contest,” which provides expressive arts therapy experiences to young Granite Staters.

“During the interview process, it became clear that Adele’s passion for how the arts can transform lives equally matches her skill as a strong, compassionate leader,” said Commissioner Sarah L. Stewart of the N.H. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which oversees the Arts Council.

“Her experience in state government – including working with elected officials, developing long-range strategic plans and navigating the budget process – really stood out. It’s clear that she will be able to hit the ground running and continue to be a great asset to the state in this new role.” 

In addition to leading Arts Council staff, the director oversees competitive grant processes and program services, compliance with state and federal financial requirements, and the legislative process as it relates to the arts. The director also seeks out collaboration and partnerships with state leaders and organizations across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education and the creative economy.

“The arts touch our lives in ways that aren’t always immediately obvious, whether it’s a teenager learning how to better express themselves through creative writing, a patient managing their pain through music therapy or a community coming together to create public art that celebrates its downtown,” said Bauman. “I look forward to working with the people of New Hampshire and their broad range of interests to create new experiences that will strengthen our communities, economies and ourselves as individuals.”

Bauman holds degrees from Northeastern University, Boston College and the New England School of Photography.

She lives in Dover her husband, their two children, her mother and Ryan, the family’s Shih Tzu. In her spare time, she’s often seeped in New Hampshire’s wide range of outdoor activities: hiking and camping, photographing landscapes, attending art shows and outdoor concerts, and enjoying our ocean beaches. 

The N.H. State Council on the Arts is a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The State Arts Council provides a wide variety of services, competitive grants, and technical assistance to not-for-profit organizations, schools, health care facilities, and individual artists, helping to ensure that the arts thrive in New Hampshire and are accessible to all. Funding for grants and services is provided by the New Hampshire Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Learn more at nh.gov/nharts.

###