photo by: Nick Krug

Porter Arneill

The City of Lawrence’s director of communications and creative resources, Porter Arneill, is set to vacate his position and take on a new role more focused on art and culture, the city announced in a news release Friday.

Arneill has served in his dual role as head of communications and arts and culture initiatives since 2017, but he first joined the City of Lawrence as just the director of arts and culture in 2015. Now, the city has announced Arneill will be transitioning to a new role as assistant director of Parks and Recreation-Arts and Culture over the next few months. The shift comes as the city has recognized a need for additional resources and expertise related to arts and culture, according to the release.

“This is an exciting time to join the Parks and Recreation team as we will soon begin developing a comprehensive plan to fully integrate arts and culture into our ‘Unmistakable Identity,'” Arneill said in the release, referring to one of the outcomes listed in the city’s strategic plan. “I look forward to the work ahead and to continuing my role as a champion for arts and culture in our community.”

According to the release, the city will immediately begin recruiting for Arneill’s vacated position, now retitled as director of communications and community engagement.