| ISPA 2026 New York Congress – Adriane V. Jefferson |
 Adriane V. JeffersonExecutive Director Adriane V. Jefferson (She/Her/Hers) is a nationally recognized Cultural Equity leader, Arts Administrator, and Visionary with a proven record of transforming cultural landscapes, shaping policy, and redefining arts administration. With over 20 years of experience, Adriane specializes in equitable cultural tourism, new audience development, and culturally relevant marketing strategies that engage diverse communities while sustaining legacy arts organizations and empowering local artists, from emerging to national levels. Her work bridges history, civics, and community engagement, driving meaningful connections while shaping the future of arts and culture. Adriane currently serves as the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of Atlanta, where she oversees an office that manages the city’s galleries, cultural facilities, grant programs, public art, arts education, festivals, event production, and community engagement, including the Atlanta Jazz Festival, which attracts over 200,000 people annually. She is also working with the Mayor’s Arts Advisory Task Force on the cultivation of cultural districts and will be spearheading the Atlanta Creative Summit, which will inform the city’s Cultural Action Plan in collaboration with stakeholders, cross-sector partners, and creatives. Additionally, Adriane will be advancing public and private partnerships and advocacy efforts to expand Atlanta’s cultural resources and infrastructure while positioning the city’s cultural identity on the global stage ahead of major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Previously, Adriane served as Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven and Executive Director of New Haven Festivals Inc., where she redefined the city’s cultural framework. She led the creation of Connecticut’s first Cultural Equity Plan, now a national model, and launched transformative initiatives such as the Arts for Anti-Racism Pledge, the New Haven Black Wall Street Festival, and the city’s first Poet Laureate program. Under her leadership, New Haven experienced a major expansion of cultural development, including its largest public art installations and partnerships that foster economic growth. Adriane’s leadership has been shaped by her service as an Arts Program Manager for the State of Connecticut Office of the Arts, her work with national organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Association of State Arts Agencies, and her early career in television production and arts education. She also previously worked with Alonzo Mourning Charities in Miami, where she developed theater arts curricula for the Overtown Youth Center, creating transformative arts opportunities for young people in underserved communities. Additionally, she has taught Marketing, Leadership in Performing Arts, and Entertainment Management at Eastern Connecticut State University, mentoring the next generation of cultural leaders. Her numerous accolades include the American Express Emerging Leadership Award, 40 Under 40 honors, and the Heritage Award from the Black and Hispanic Caucus. Adriane’s dynamic approach combines creative innovation, equity-driven policy, and measurable economic impact, making her a transformational force in arts administration. A proud mother, wife, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Adriane continues to leverage the power of the arts to inspire equity, unite communities, and shape a global vision of cultural excellence.
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