Lincoln Edward Kirstein (May 4, 1907 – January 5, 1996) was an American writer,
impresario, art
connoisseur, philanthropist, and cultural figure in
New York City, noted especially as co-founder of the
New York City Ballet. He developed and sustained the company with his organizing ability and fundraising for more than four decades, serving as the company's General Director from 1946 to 1989. According to the
New York Times, he was "an expert in many fields," organizing art exhibits and lecture tours in the same years.