Nungesser names Castille arts director

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser appointed Cheryl Castille director of the Division of the Arts within the Office of Cultural Development.
Castille offers extensive experience creating and implementing music, visual art, culinary arts, dance, creative writing and theater programs, a news release from Nungesser’s office stated.
“I want to thank the review panel and Louisiana State Arts Council members for their recommendation of Ms. Castille. We are excited to have Ms. Castille join our team, and we look forward to partnering with the State Arts Council to promote the arts, while highlighting our unique culture here in Louisiana,” Nungesser said.
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, the news release stated. 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, it stated.
Castille joins the Arts after serving as assistant to St. Landry Parish President W. K. Bill Fontenot Jr. since 2012. She is a previous 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.
The Office of Cultural Development comprises the Division of the Arts, Division of Historic Preservation, Division of Archaeology and Council for the Development of French in Louisiana. For the latest information, follow the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development on Facebook and Twitter @LaStateCulture.