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Cleo Barnett

Executive Director at Amplifier

Professional Background

Cleo Barnett is an influential artist, curator, and strategist who has made significant contributions to the realms of public art and civic engagement. Having her roots in New Zealand and being raised in Seattle, Washington, Cleo's diverse background enriches her perspective and collaborative approach in the arts. Currently residing in Los Angeles, California, she has dedicated her career to creating public space interventions that resonate with cultural shifts and social justice movements.

Since 2009, Cleo has directed and produced an impressive portfolio of over 250 public space interventions spread across five continents. Her work stands out for its commitment to collaboration—she has worked alongside a myriad of partners, including artists, government agencies, nonprofits, foundations, educators, and global brands. Notably, her projects seek to empower marginalized voices, amplify social justice challenges, and inspire communities through the transformative power of public art and mass media. Cleo's ongoing efforts in reshaping how art interacts with society have helped to build movements around environmental and social justice causes.

Currently, Cleo serves as the Executive Director of Amplifier, a groundbreaking non-profit design lab dedicated to building media experiments aimed at amplifying social movements worldwide. In her role, she leads initiatives that harness the potential of design and media to engage audiences and instigate change. Through Amplifier, she continues to challenge the norms of traditional art practices and civic engagement, ultimately fostering an inclusive dialogue around pressing societal issues.

Education and Achievements

Cleo's academic background is as impressive as her professional journey. She earned a Master's Degree in Art and Public Policy from New York University, where she honed her skills in art's intersection with public discourse and policy development. This degree laid the foundation for her advocacy work in using art as a catalyst for civic engagement and social justice.

Her undergraduate education features a double Bachelor's degree, comprising Political Studies and International Business from the prestigious University of Auckland. This diverse academic background equips her with a multifaceted view of how governance, economic dynamics, and culture interrelate, thereby enhancing her rigorous approach to curating and strategizing public art initiatives.

Cleo's work has been recognized widely, being featured in prominent media outlets such as the Brooklyn Museum, The New York Times, NPR, PBS, CNN, and VICE, among others. These features not only highlight her innovative projects but also underscore her role as a thought leader in the intersection of art, civic engagement, and social equity.

Notable Positions

Throughout her impressive career, Cleo Barnett has held various influential positions that reflect her dedication to public art and community engagement.

  • As the Executive Director of Amplifier, she has steered the organization towards becoming a leader in media experimentation that promotes social movements. Her leadership style is characterized by inclusivity and a vision for harnessing art's potential.
  • Previously, Cleo was the Deputy Director at Amplifier, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the organization's reach and impact.
  • As the Co-Founder and Curator at ALL FRESCO, she created public art and community engagement experiences that resonate with local populations.
  • In her role as the Queens Wharf PlaceMaker at Waterfront Auckland, Cleo showcased her ability to reshape public spaces for the betterment of community interaction and engagement.
  • Her position at Auckland City Council as a PlaceMaker allowed her to promote cultural events and initiatives that revitalized urban areas and enhanced community ties.
  • Additionally, her previous role as an Event Coordinator at Art Week Auckland allowed her to develop and manage large-scale art events, further solidifying her reputation in the arts ecosystem.
  • Notably, she was the Event Founder and Producer at First Thursdays Auckland, a celebration aimed at fostering local creativity and community spirit, displaying her commitment to grassroots movements.

Cleo Barnett continues to inspire those around her through her dedication to art as a means of social empowerment and change. Her work not only transforms public spaces but also enriches the communities that engage with her projects. With her strong academic foundation, extensive experience, and unwavering passion for social justice, she remains at the forefront of the conversation regarding public art's role in civic engagement and is undoubtedly a crucial figure to watch in the arts sector.

Highlights

Jun 14 · PR Newswire
Jobs For the Future Launches Advocacy Art Campaign to Normalize ... - PR Newswire
Jobs For the Future Launches Advocacy Art Campaign to Normalize ... - PR Newswire
Painter demonstrates the unbridled power of police - Blasting News United States

Related Questions

How did Cleo Barnett's background influence her work in public space interventions?
What specific achievements has Cleo Barnett made as Executive Director at Amplifier?
In what ways has Cleo Barnett used her education in Art and Public Policy to impact social movements?
What are some notable projects that Cleo Barnett has worked on across the five continents?
How does Cleo Barnett approach collaboration with different organizations and communities?
What role does public art play in Cleo Barnett's strategy for civic engagement and social justice?
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Cleo Barnett
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Location

Los Angeles, California, United States