Mariko Silver, former president of Bennington College, has been appointed as the new president of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. At 46 years old, she succeeds Henry Timms, who served in the role for five years. Silver is set to begin her tenure on September 23rd.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Silver shared her deep connection to Lincoln Center, emphasizing the significant role the arts have played in shaping her identity and her vision for the future.
Silver’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Lincoln Center as planning has already begun for a major redevelopment of the western side of its campus. Historically, this area has been less prominent compared to the eastern side, which is more frequently accessed by the public.
Silver expressed her enthusiasm for this redevelopment project, highlighting the potential to create a new and inspiring focal point for both the arts community and New York City at large.
Mariko Silver
Under the leadership of Timms and Shanta Thake, the chief artistic officer since 2021, Lincoln Center has broadened its programming to include a wider range of genres beyond classical music, even introducing pay-as-you-wish options for some performances. While Silver is committed to continuing this diversification, she reassures that classical arts will remain a core focus of Lincoln Center’s mission.
Silver brings with her an impressive academic and professional background. She holds degrees from Yale, the University of Sussex, and UCLA, and has worked in significant roles at Arizona State University, Columbia University, and the Obama administration. Before joining Lincoln Center, she served as president of Bennington College and later the Henry Luce Foundation.
Reflecting on her personal experiences with Lincoln Center, Silver fondly recalled attending performances such as “The Nutcracker,” “Sarafina!” and Cecilia Bartoli’s performance at the Met. These memories underscore her lifelong connection to the arts and her excitement about leading one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
