BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Bluefield Arts and Revitalization Corporation (BARC) has announced the hiring of Lee Rainboth as its new executive director.
Rainboth succeeds Brian Tracey, who has held the role since BARC’s inception in the fall of 2020.
While stepping down as executive director, Tracey will remain involved with the organization. He will join BARC’s board of directors and continue working as a consultant on real estate development projects in southern West Virginia.
Rainboth brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in arts organizations.
Before joining BARC, he served as the executive director of the Fort Wayne Dance Collective in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Iowa State University.
In his new role, Rainboth will oversee efforts to expand BARC’s impact in the community. Last year, more than 25,000 people visited downtown Bluefield for a BARC-sponsored event, including concerts, movies, art exhibits, and other community gatherings.
The organization also provided educational programs to more than 2,500 students at the Granada Theater.
“BARC is pleased to welcome Lee Rainboth to Bluefield. We are confident his experience and expertise will lead BARC to even greater success,” said Robert Linkous, BARC’s president.
BARC is a community-based nonprofit that operates the Granada Theater, Raleigh Street Cinemas, and the Paine Gallery.
The organization offers first-run movies, entertainment events, and educational programs throughout the year.
In addition to promoting the arts, BARC is involved in real estate development to support community revitalization efforts in southern West Virginia.
For more information about BARC, visit bareww.org and bluefieldgranada.com.
