Tag archives: Celesta Billeci

Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta Billeci, the longest serving director of UCSB Arts & Lectures, is retiring after 25 seasons. Though Celesta’s next chapter will take her beyond the Santa Barbara campus, her legacy of leadership will continue to inspire the community. She is the third director of the organization, following in the footsteps of […]

The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture has recognized UCSB Arts & Lectures Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta Billeci with a 2024 Leadership in Arts Individual Award. Celesta, a good friend, joined Arts & Lectures as executive director in 2000 from UCLA Live. She is the previous recipient of the Jerry Willis Leadership […]

Cultural gridlock reigned at the Santa Barbara Club when UCSB Arts & Lectures held its new 63rd season reveal party with 150 guests. “It has all been very challenging,” said Miller McCune Executive Director Celesta Billeci. “There have been many unknown hurdles during the pandemic. But we are now standing on the other side. We […]

UCSB Arts & Lectures invited its Producer Circle members to a holiday party in the Arlington Courtyard. There were cozy firepots and signature holiday cocktails along with DJ Darla Bea. United Way of Santa Barbara was also there to promote their seasonal toy drive for kids. After the reception there was a line outside the […]

After 20 months of forced inactivity because of the pandemic, UCSB’s popular Arts & Lectures program is back with a bang! “The wait is over!” declared Miller McCune executive director Celesta Billeci at a Creating Hope launch bash at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum for 170 guests. “This is a big step for us. The […]

When someone from Los Angeles says to me, “What is there to do in Santa Barbara? They are inferring it’s such a small town. I always think, “What is there not to do?” We have our own symphony, our own ballet company, and our own opera company to name just a few. And then we […]