Cheryl Castille was named director of the Division of the Arts within the state’s Office of Cultural Development.
Castille, who has extensive experience creating and implementing music, visual art, culinary arts, dance, creative writing and theater programs, was recommended for the post by a review panel and members of the Louisiana State Arts Council. She was appointed by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.
An advocate for the arts, Castille has a background in securing funding through public and private grants agencies, foundations and corporate sponsorships for various organizations and festivals. She is also well-versed in the division’s Decentralized Arts Funding program and has successfully written and administered grants while serving as director/operations manager of Cité des Arts in Lafayette.
In 2012, Castille was named assistant to St. Landry Parish President Bill Fontenot, her most recent position. She is former assistant director of Louisiana Folk Roots in Lafayette, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and presenting the diverse cultures and living heritage of South Louisiana, and a previous owner/manager of What Bayou Trading Company, an art gallery and music shop. Castille holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in therapeutic recreation from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Castille hosts “The Exchange” on KRVS 88.7 FM on Tuesdays at noon, a program that features artists and musicians talking about their craft.