Ann Filmer, a seasoned leader with 30 years of experience in nonprofit arts, has been named the new executive director of the Riverside Arts Center.
Filmer founded and led 16th Street Theater, an award-winning company dedicated to diverse storytelling in Berwyn. Under her leadership, the theater earned national recognition, staged world premieres and partnered with major Chicago institutions.
Serving as a vital hub in the broader Chicago arts, the Riverside Arts Center, located at 32 E. Quincy St., provides a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase high-caliber exhibitions.
In her new role, Filmer will oversee exhibitions, fosters community engagement and expand programming at the center.
“The Riverside Arts Center serves as a platform for artists at all stages of their careers, from emerging talents to established professionals, offering opportunities for exhibitions and community engagement,” Filmer said.
Filmer cited Alexa Chmura (whose solo exhibition opened March 7) as an example of the center’s commitment to showcasing both emerging and established talent.
“I feel like we are really accessible to artists who are just starting out, giving them an opportunity to share their art with the community. That’s why I think that what we lovingly call the Riverside Arts Center is a place for artists at all stages of their careers in the Chicago area,” Filmer said.
A key aspect of Filmer’s role is to increase awareness of the center’s offerings. “A lot of people don’t even know that the Riverside Arts Center is right in their backyard, or in the community nextdoor,” she said. “Since the gallery is free to enter, anyone can walk in and engage with the art.”
When asked about how her history of championing diverse voices in theater would shape programming at Riverside Art Center, Filmer emphasized that it is essential to have a commitment to accessibility and inclusion across all artistic disciplines.
“We want to be a place for someone to just dabble in learning about the arts, in making, in creation, because the act of creation can be so powerful. We’re not just interested in creating the art, but also sharing the art,” Filmer said.
Kendra Curry-Khanna, president of the Riverside Arts Center, praised Filmer’s ability to quickly foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring that the community feels engaged and connected to the center’s programs from the start.
“Ann is a very strong relationship builder, and from the start, we’ve seen her working hard to ensure that people feel welcome, included, and engaged in the programs at the art center,” Curry-Khanna said.
Filmer praised Joanne Aono, the exhibitions director at the center, and the gallery committee for bringing exceptional, high-quality exhibitions to the center.
Filmer is excited about the diverse range of art being created at the Riverside Arts Center and is eager to expand beyond visual arts to include storytelling and theatrical events.
“I’d love to explore other forms of art we can bring to the center, whether it’s storytelling or theatrical events. We’re looking into expanding because the arts encompass so much more than just visual art,” Filmer said.
