Gwen Brownson

Gwen Brownson (she/her/hers) has spent the past 15 years dedicated to the evolution of the arts-education field and examining how the arts enhance cross-curricular learning with an emphasis on critical literacy skills and exploring themes of social justice through the performing arts.  Her most recent work in this area was as Project Manager on a groundbreaking research project out of Fordham University looking at how Theatre Teaching Artists help to foster critical consciousness in children of color.  For over a decade in New York Gwen was the Education and Programs Director for the Literature to Life Program out of The American Place Theatre where she helped to build the company’s nationally recognized educational methodology, community engagement model and intensive Teaching Artist Training program. More recently the focus of Gwen’s career has shifted to helping micro-nonprofits implement capacity building efforts through strategic planning, resource sharing and right sizing.  As Consulting Director of Literature to Life from 2018-2020, Gwen led the charge on all strategic planning, organizational, Board, and infrastructure development – moving Lit to Life from start-up phase towards independence after decades of its functioning under the aegis of larger umbrella organizations.  Prior to her work in arts-administration Gwen produced, directed, taught and performed in the theatre for over 20 years. She received her Bachelors Degree in Theatre Arts from UCLA and her Masters Degree in Educational Theatre from NYU. Gwen grew up in Northern California and currently lives in Jersey City with her husband and daughter Olive.  She’s a proud JC resident and is thrilled to be joining the talented team and Nimbus Arts Center.

Contact: gwen@nimbusdanceworks.org