FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BALTIMORE, Maryland, December 12, 2016 – The New Day Campaign announced today that its advisory board has selected Lea A. Gilmore as its first-ever Executive Director. The New Day Campaign uses art-based programming and public engagement to challenge stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and substance use, making the world a more healing place.  The New Day Campaign began in 2015 and is based in Baltimore, Maryland.

This announcement is the culmination of a year’s work by the Advisory Board, and signals the start of an exciting new chapter for the New Day Campaign, which has quickly grown from a one-time series of events and exhibitions in 2015 and into an organization positioned for long-term growth and impact. Gilmore will assume leadership of the New Day Campaign from its founder, artist and curator Peter Bruun starting on January 2, 2017.

“I am thrilled beyond words that Lea Gilmore will be the next leader of the New Day Campaign,” says Bruun. “Lea is an artist, a non-profit professional, and someone with as warm and large a heart as anyone. She brings to her position all the aptitudes and inclinations necessary for success in leading the New Day Campaign. She has dedicated her professional life to both non-profit work with a social justice bent, and art as a tool for healing. Lea is a humanist and an organizer who was born for the position she is now taking on with the New Day Campaign. I could not possibly imagine a better outcome from our year-long effort than hiring Lea for this job.”

To her new role, Gilmore brings decades of expertise honed through her career in both nonprofit leadership and management and as an internationally-acclaimed musician who uses art as a tool for social justice, peace, and human rights.  Lea is a proud Marylander and a native Baltimorean known for her exquisite voice, bright smile, quick wit, and infectious sense of humor. For more about Lea, visit this page.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as the first Executive Director for The New Day Campaign,” says Gilmore.  “Personally and professionally, I have dedicated my work to the arts, as well as seeking fairness, justice and equality for all. Also, as a nonprofit professional and musician, what a perfect opportunity to heal and educate on mental illness and substance use with the arts as a tool to humanize and engage. I am excited about moving forward and recognize how fortunate I am to be part of such a far-reaching, needed and respected initiative.”

With this news, the New Day Campaign moves into a new phase inaugural run of the New Day Campaign took place from October 1-December 31, 2015. Over 92 days, the New Day Campaign presented 16 art exhibitions and 63 free public events, and conducted a community outreach campaign in the Baltimore region that opened hearts, changed thinking and conversations, and offered pathways to action. Initially, Bruun anticipated a one-time run of groundbreaking programming. Yet amidst the programming, a new, vibrant, dedicated and wholehearted circle of thousands took shape. Supporters, funders, and participants emphatically told organizers: "It is important for the New Day Campaign to find a way to continue its unique mission of using art to challenge stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and addiction." Since then, Bruun, a team of consultants, and the advisory board have focused on fundraising and continued a public presence through the 2016-2017 Coffee House Series, special exhibitions, presentations at national conferences, and participation in various community events.

For the past year, the New Day Campaign has focused on building towards the future. In June, it launched the Founders’ Circle fundraising campaign to secure needed financial support for ongoing operations and programming. Earlier this month, the Campaign announced that the Founders’ Circle has raised 75% of its $200,000 goal and will be extended through June 30, 2017. For a full listing of Founders’ Circle members (as of 12/1/16), go here.

MEDIA: Lea Gilmore and Peter Bruun are available for interviews. To schedule an interview, contact Nancy Lewin of Asana Consulting at 410-491-0826 / nancy@asanaconsulting.com.  

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