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Esa Nickle
Managing Director and Executive Producer at PERFORMA
Esa Nickle is the Managing Director and Executive Producer at PERFORMA, a non-profit organization dedicated to performance art. They joined PERFORMA in May 2005 and have been instrumental in the organization's growth and success.23
Esa Nickle's career at PERFORMA has evolved over the years:
- Initially joined as the Biennial Coordinator for Performa 05 in May 2005.2
- Became General Manager in 2006, overseeing production of commissions, projects, and events.2
- Appointed Producing Director and International Affairs in 2013, launching the "Pavilions Without Walls" program.2
- Promoted to Managing Director and Executive Producer in March 2020.21
Throughout their tenure, Esa has worked closely with PERFORMA's founder RoseLee Goldberg to develop an innovative model for the three-week international biennial. This event features over 1,000 artists at more than 250 venues throughout New York City, collaborating with over 150 cultural partners and city agencies.2
Esa Nickle's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Sociology of Art from Indiana University Bloomington, which they obtained between 1988 and 1992.21
Prior to joining PERFORMA, Esa Nickle held various positions in the art world:
- Project Manager at Works of Art for Public Art/Joyce Pomeroy Schwartz (2002-2005)2
- Associate Director at White Box, Chelsea (2002-2005)2
- Director at Gallery 37 London, Greenwich & Docklands International Festival (1996-1998)2
- Coordinator at Gallery 37, Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Chicago (1992-1995)2
Esa Nickle's role at PERFORMA involves overseeing the biennial program and producing numerous performances, installations, and film projects by contemporary artists.3 Their extensive experience and dedication have been crucial in establishing PERFORMA as a leading organization in the field of performance art.
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