Meiyin Wang Named Director of Contemporary Programs at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) has appointed Meiyin Wang as its new Director of Contemporary Programs. In this role, Wang will lead the institution’s multidisciplinary programming with a strong emphasis on contemporary performance—spotlighting boundary-pushing artists and bringing innovative, groundbreaking work from around the world to Lincoln Center’s stages.

She joins Lincoln Center from the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC), where she currently serves as Director of Programming and Producing.

At LCPA, Wang will collaborate with a dynamic team of producers, artist curators, and artists-in-residence, all dedicated to advancing the Center’s artistic mission. Together, they will support bold and innovative performances that reflect the diversity and cultural richness of New York City and its global connections. Lincoln Center’s year-round programming creates opportunities for artists, fosters creative community, and provides inspiring cultural experiences for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers each year.

Wang will officially begin her new role on May 27. She succeeds Jon Nakagawa, who retired in 2024 after nearly 26 years with Lincoln Center, where he played a pivotal role in shaping its contemporary programming with creativity, care, and vision.

“Meiyin Wang brings a deep dedication to artists, an expansive imagination, and a powerful belief in collaborative curation,” said Shanta Thake, Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer. “Her experience across genres and commitment to long-term relationships with creatives make her uniquely positioned to lead this next chapter of contemporary programming at Lincoln Center. At the same time, we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Jon Nakagawa, whose care, creativity, and decades of service helped define what contemporary artistry could be here. His impact will be felt for years to come.”

Wang brings to Lincoln Center a globally recognized career. At PAC NYC, she played a vital role in launching the Center’s inaugural season, commissioning and developing more than 30 new works and presenting hundreds of performances across disciplines—including theater, music, dance, and opera.

Her previous roles include Director of La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls Festival, Co-Director of The Public Theater’s Under the Radar Festival, and curatorial and consulting work with Park Avenue Armory, Sundance Institute, ArtsEmerson, and Stanford Live.

Wang’s collaborations span artists from around the globe. Highlights include Toshi Reagon’s opera Parable of the Sower (presented at Lincoln Center in 2023), and projects with Angélique Kidjo, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Big Dance Theater, Bill T. Jones, Laurie Anderson, Guillermo Calderón, Huang Ruo, Taylor Mac, and many others. Her work has also been featured at international venues and festivals such as Back to Back Theatre, Belarus Free Theatre, Center for the Less Good Idea, Holland Festival, NYU Abu Dhabi, and the Singapore International Festival of the Arts.

“I am honored to join Shanta and the team at Lincoln Center. Their bold and sweeping work is centered on artistry, humanity, and joy, and has helped define what is possible for the cultural and civic life of all New Yorkers,” said Meiyin Wang, incoming Director of Contemporary Programs at LCPA. “Throughout my career, I’ve sought to create transformative spaces that celebrate artists and their craft, embrace innovation, and forge global connections. I cannot wait to bring this same commitment to Lincoln Center.”

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