The City of Chattanooga announced Katelyn Kirnie as the new Public Art Chattanooga (PAC) executive director on Wednesday. With support from Benwood and Lyndhurst Foundations, PAC not only welcomes a new director but new projects launching in the coming months.
“Katelyn not only recognizes the importance of public art to the vitality of neighborhoods, she understands public art has a significant contribution to the creative economy,” said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. “We are excited to welcome Katelyn to the team and thankful to our foundations for their partnership and dedication to Public Art Chattanooga.”
A Chattanooga native, Ms.
Kirnie earned a Masters in Arts Administration from Boston University and has a broad range of experience working with artists in the public realm, including as the Visual Arts manager for the Rose Kennedy Greenway. Her position with the Greenway’s urban parks in Boston, Ma., has given Ms. Kirnie a creative placemaking and programming focus when it comes to working with artists and communities. In addition, Ms. Kirnie partnered with public and private sectors to help launch and implement a public art program for the Greenway that has become essential to the success of one of Boston’s most loved public spaces, drawing millions of visitors each year to experience contemporary art installations and the many other programs and amenities the parks offer.
“We have a lot to compete with when it comes to vying for people’s attention these days,” said Ms. Kirnie. “Now, more than ever, we need artists to play a more integral role in engaging the community through the creativity and original-thinking they can bring to our City and its public spaces.”
To learn more about Public Art Chattanooga, upcoming public art projects, and opportunities for engagement, visit chattanooga.gov/publicart.