DENVER – June 26, 2024 – The Denver Art Museum (DAM) today announced changes in senior leadership with the promotion of nationally recognized arts education expert Heather Nielsen to Deputy Director. Nielsen has served as the DAM’s Chief Learning and Engagement Officer since 2019 and takes on this additional role with the departure of Andrea Kalivas Fulton after 22 years of exemplary leadership at the museum. The change takes effect July 1, 2024.
During her 20-year career at DAM, Nielsen has been instrumental and widely praised for developing groundbreaking interpretive strategies, including a broad range of bilingual, intergenerational and creative aging programs, the museum’s uniquely integrated artist-in-residence program, and other community driven initiatives.
“In addition to Heather’s deep expertise and broad experience in museum education and community engagement, she is a world-class leader who has the communication skills, strategic insight and unwavering commitment to the community that will help guide us into the future,” said Christoph Heinrich, the DAM’s Frederick and Jan Mayer Director.
Deepening relationships with Colorado artists and creatives has been a strategic focus for the Learning and Engagement department’s work under Nielsen’s leadership, with key programs that include Untitled, the Museum’s quarterly artist driven program; Art Lives Here, which brings real artworks, exhibitions and programs to schools and community centers; Community Spotlight exhibitions featuring artworks from community groups and students, and the Native Artist-in-Residence program, now in its 12th year.
Thanks to Nielsen’s guidance, the museum’s in-community programming now includes creative caravan, a mobile studio that visits partner organizations around the metro area in addition to a presence at community festivals including the Juneteenth Music Festival, Denver Pride, Westwood’s Cinco de Mayo, and the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival.
“I’m excited to take on this new leadership role and bring my perspective and experiences to help the museum continue being a place that welcomes everyone and inspires creativity and joy for visitors and staff alike,” Nielsen said. “I look forward to this opportunity to ensure the DAM is a source of pride for Denver and an important part of the community for many more years to come.”
In addition to her work inside the museum, Nielsen has been involved in local and national arts initiatives. She served as a mayoral appointee on the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs and has been involved with a variety of national boards and committees, most recently serving on the leadership team for the Forum for Leadership in Art Museum Education (FLAME).
Prior to joining the Denver Art Museum, Nielsen worked as a Museum Educator at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and the American Museum of Natural History in New York City as a Museum Educator and Content Specialist for the Anthropology Department. She has conducted teacher trainings, taught graduate courses in Museum Education, and has consulted or served as a national advisor for a variety of museums.
Nielsen holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Vassar College and a master’s degree in the Anthropology of Art from University College, London.
About the Denver Art Museum
The Denver Art Museum is an educational, nonprofit resource that sparks creative thinking and expression through transformative experiences with art. Its mission is to enrich lives by sparking creative thinking and expression. Its holdings reflect the city and region—and provide invaluable ways for the community to learn about cultures from around the world. Metro residents support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), a unique funding source serving hundreds of metro Denver arts, culture and scientific organizations.
For museum information, visit www.denverartmuseum.org or call 720-865-5000.
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