Mayor Marty Walsh has named Julie Burrus as Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. Burros had previously worked at the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and was selected as part of a nationwide search to fill the position; the first of its level in over 20 years.

“I’ve said from Day One that I want to elevate Boston’s arts and culture profile,” said Walsh. “During the campaign, I often heard about the need for the arts to be more integrated into the lives of residents and visitors. Julie will bring a fresh perspective and a strong foundation of expertise to envision Boston’s cultural future and execute a master plan for the arts.”

Burros will begin in December with a $1.3 million budget which she intends to use “to grow the arts in Boston across disciplines, from theater to dance, to the visual arts to public art.”