In July, Lifetime Arts welcomed Heather Ikemire as Deputy Director. Drawing on 20+ years of experience in arts education and nonprofit leadership, Heather is responsible for Lifetime Arts’ field building and advocacy work. She will develop new strategic partnerships, convene stakeholders, and amplify messaging designed to advance creative aging in the U.S.
“As a fierce advocate of creative aging for the past 15 years, I am honored to join the Lifetime Arts team to bring increased visibility, investment, and support to the long-standing practice of creative aging throughout the country.
“In my new role, I look forward to strengthening relationships with diverse stakeholders to catalyze action that will advance creative aging across sectors at the local, state, and national levels. To me, field building and focused advocacy can only happen in deep relationship with each other.
“I look forward to strengthening connections among our systems-level decision-makers as well as with those most affected —including older adult participants, teaching artists, and program providers—to ensure all older adults are honored, valued, and have ample opportunities to maximize their creativity.”
Previously, Heather served as Deputy Director of Learning and Engagement at the National Guild for Community Arts Education. During her tenure, she directed the Guild’s large-scale, multi-year investment in “Catalyzing Creative Aging” offered in partnership with Lifetime Arts; led the Guild in its role as “backbone organization” for the Creative Youth Development National Partnership; convened hundreds of arts education stakeholders through conferences, regional, and online events; and developed a strong internal team and adaptive organization.
Heather has a Ph.D. in Theater for Youth from Arizona State University and a B.A. in English Literature from Vassar College. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three kids, and enjoys hiking, poetry, skiing, and living room dance parties.
Contact Heather at hikemire@lifetimearts.org
