Flint Public Art Project announces executive director resignation and new board president

FLINT, Mich. — The longtime executive director of the Flint Public Art Project (FPAP), Joe Schipani, has resigned.

He will, however, continue assisting with the nonprofits operations.

In a Feb. 5, 2025 Facebook post, the organization assured the community that its Board of Directors remains committed to continuing its mission of changing the narrative about Flint through public art installations and programming.

Schipani, who has led FPAP since its inception, will be succeeded by recently elected Board President Steven Barber, who will take on a more active role moving forward.

Barber, a California native, moved to Flint at age eight, grew up on the city’s South Side and graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint. After spending seven years out West, he returned to Flint.

“I got involved [with FPAP] around 2019 after meeting Seba Cener, a visiting artist of Argentina, during one of his many installations, Barber said. “That evolved into helping Joe in a variety of capacities including but not limited to operations, web development, marketing and activating the last four years of Free City Mural Festival’s.”

Currently, FPAP has six board members, including the president. A call for applicants to fill three vacant seats will be announced in the coming weeks.

Barber hinted at upcoming projects for spring and early summer, as well as the annual Free City Mural Festival during the first week of September.

Most recently, FPAP received grant funding through the Share Art Genesee program, awarded by the Greater Flint Arts Council, ensuring the nonprofit can continue hosting artists and programs through 2025.

FPAP boasts one of the world’s largest public mural collections, with more than 300 permanent and temporary installations. The organization collaborates with a vast network of artists, both locally and internationally.