People:Faculty

Harry Harrison

Mr. Harrison also served as Director of Programs and later was appointed Interim Executive Director of the Afro-American Cultural Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Over the course of 19 years, he served in various capacities at the South Carolina Arts Commission including leadership positions as Design Arts Director, Visual Arts Director, and Multi-Cultural Arts Development Director to name a few.

His effectiveness in vision planning, conceptualizing museum’s exhibits, creating exceptional educational services, and directing fund development strategies are all components of a stellar career.  A veteran of museum management and arts administration, Harrison is recognized throughout the region.  Mr. Harrison has also been very active in the field as a previous (1999-2006) board member for the Association of African American Museums and received training as a site evaluator for the American Association of Museums.  Recent civic appointments include UNC Asheville Foundation, Inc., Public Art Board for the City of Asheville and Progress Energy-Community Energy Advisory Council.  He is also the recipient of numerous national, regional, civic and cultural awards for his service to the field.

He received his Masters Degree in Planning and Public Administration from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Arts Education from Allen University.  In 2002 he attended the Directors Seminar Training at the Getty Leadership Institute in Los Angeles, California.  Harrison also received a certificate of advanced training in Arts Administration at the University of Wisconsin.

Contact Information

Harry Harrison
Executive Director
YMI Cultural Center
39 South Market Street
Asheville, NC  28801
828-252-4614