Burlington's Flynn Center Announces New Artistic Director

Steve MacQueen is headed north. Way north. The director since 2007 of the 7 Days of Opening Nights Performing Arts Festival in Tallahassee, Fla., has been selected as the new artistic director of the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington. MacQueen follows the 15-year tenure of Arnie Malina, who retired this spring.

Stylistically, the match seems ideal: The 7 Days fest website indicates programming that's "closely aligned" with the Flynn's mix of "world-class artists in jazz, dance, roots music, family entertainment, theater, world music and more," according to a press announcement released today. In addition, MacQueen appears to be steeped in experiences with commissioning new works, educational outreach, and forming community partnerships.

For his part, MacQueen says he is thrilled to come to the Flynn, both because of the venue's stellar reputation in the arts-presenting world, and because of the cultural community. And MacQueen, 48, is no stranger to moving around. A self-described "Air Force brat," he says he grew up relocating constantly. The family landed in Florida when he was in middle school, and he stayed, later attending Florida State University — home of the 7 Days festival. In between college and programming performing arts, he was a newspaper reporter. And he's always been in bands — though MacQueen is humorously self-deprecating about his musical talent.