Zebulon Downtown Arts Council Appoints Executive Director, Signaling New Era of Growth and Community Investment
- Zebulon Downtown Arts Council
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Zebulon, North Carolina - The Zebulon Downtown Arts Council (ZDAC) is excited to announce the appointment of Joanna Arteaga Ferrin as its new Executive Director. Ferrin brings more than a decade of experience in arts leadership, museum and curatorial practice, destination marketing, nonprofit development, and community advocacy to the organization as it enters a pivotal stage of growth and long-term planning.
With the addition of an Executive Director role, the Arts Council is preparing for a transformative 2026–2027 season focused on fiscal sustainability, expanded programming, strategic partnerships, and organizational development through the launching of its Renaissance 100 Campaign. The appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening the arts as a cornerstone of community life and economic vitality in Zebulon.
For years, the Zebulon Downtown Arts Council has played an essential role in cultivating creative opportunities within the community. Through public programming, partnerships, artist engagement, and downtown initiatives, the organization has worked to create spaces where residents can gather, connect, and experience the arts as an accessible and meaningful part of everyday life. As Zebulon continues to grow, the Arts Council’s mission has become increasingly important, not only as a cultural institution but as a driver of community identity, tourism, economic development, and civic pride.
Serving as a bridge between artists, local businesses, schools, civic organizations, and residents, the organization has helped ensure that creativity remains central to the town’s future. From supporting public art initiatives and cultural programming to fostering opportunities for local creatives, the organization contributes to the vibrancy and long-term sustainability of downtown Zebulon. As the organization takes the reins of growth this year under Ferrin's leadership, the council aims to expand those efforts while building a stronger foundation for future generations. The first steps of this have been a redesign of the organization's website (www.zdac.org) and a new logo that echoes the former, but modernizes it with a fresh and fun interpretation. The council's ultimate goal is to acquire a permanent space in the growing downtown, which was designated an NC Main Street community by the NC Department of Commerce Main Street & Rural Planning Center in 2023.
Zebulon Downtown Arts Council, July 2026 / Featured artist Angela Humphries and Board Members at exhibition at the Zebulon Town Hall
Ferrin’s professional and academic work has consistently centered on the intersection of cultural preservation and community engagement. She is currently working on a Master of Arts in Museum Studies at Johns Hopkins University and is on track to pursue a PhD. Ferrin also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Museum and Curatorial Practice from Arizona State University with minors in Art History, History, and Anthropology, as well as an Associate in Applied Science in Commercial Art & Advertising from SUNY Dutchess Community College.
Alongside her academic work, Ferrin has built an extensive career in creative direction, branding, and destination marketing, leading campaigns and visual strategies for organizations across North Carolina and Virginia. Her work emphasizes placemaking and equitable storytelling, using the arts and cultural identity as tools for community connection and economic development.
Her commitment to public service and grassroots advocacy is equally reflected in her nonprofit leadership. Ferrin has served on various boards in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and contributed to multiple public art and community development committees.
“The arts have the power to preserve history, strengthen community identity, and create spaces where people feel seen and connected,” said Ferrin. “The Zebulon Downtown Arts Council is uniquely positioned to help shape the future of this community through creativity, collaboration, and cultural investment. I am honored to step into this role and excited to work alongside artists, residents, businesses, and local leaders to continue building something meaningful for Zebulon.”
As the organization enters this next chapter, the Zebulon Downtown Arts Council remains committed to creating accessible arts experiences, supporting local creatives, and strengthening the arts' role in shaping a thriving, connected community.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Taurian Parham Board President, Zebulon Downtown Arts Council taurianparham1@gmail.com
Joanna Arteaga Ferrin Executive Director, Zebulon Downtown Arts Council director@zdac.org
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