Arts Services Initiative of WNY Appoints Executive Director
Jennifer Swan is appointed as ASI’s permanent Executive Director
Arts Services Initiative of Western New York (ASI) is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer Swan as the organization’s permanent Executive Director. Arts Services Initiative is a nonprofit organization that promotes the cultural sector’s vital role in economic development and the community through capacity building, collaboration, and advocacy since 2011. ASI provides the tools and resources necessary to artists and those working in the arts and cultural field to have successful, entrepreneurial creative nonprofits and businesses in Western New York. Since Jen’s leadership, ASI has demonstrated that it is the center of “Where the Arts Meet Business”.
“I am extremely excited to take on this role at ASI, as it has been my life’s work to be in this position and offer a clear vision of collaboration, partnership, and education for the Western New York arts sector and artists working here,” said Jen Swan. “The past six years we have seen ASI blossom from a start-up resource council and I plan to use my expertise and leadership to bring it into its next phase of growth and development. I’ve had the pleasure to work in different artistic management disciplines such as theatre, classical music, and popular music; and leading ASI allows me to serve all areas of the arts in the community and share my knowledge of management and entrepreneurism as well.”
Jen served as ASI’s Associate Director since 2011 and then as Interim Executive Director for this past year. In July 2018, she was named Arts Administrator of the Year by Buffalo Spree Magazine. Jen has been in the field of nonprofit arts management for over 10 years and has been supportive of thriving arts and culturals through her community-minded focus and involvement in grassroots production.
“After a significant search process we are excited to remove the Interim title from ASI Executive Director, Jennifer Swan. Jen has widespread support from many culturals and funders in our community and we are excited to begin this next era of Arts Services Initiative” said Randall Kramer, ASI Board President.
Jen has a Masters Degree in Arts Management from the University at Buffalo and continues to leverage university and community partnerships at ASI. She is a member of Leadership Niagara’s Class of 2016. She will join the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York Council of Nonprofits this fall at their Executive Director Leadership Conference to continue advancing ASI’s efforts and impact beyond the Western New York region.
