David Kent

PROGRAM DESIGNER AND RESEARCHER

University of Rhode Island

01.2022 - 06.2025

Designed and led initiatives in education, outreach, and aging. Built innovative partnerships with research entities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Researched leadership education and the impacts of rapid change on sustainability, ethics, and family.
• Spearheaded collaborative research initiative for Leadership Education Masters Programs at URI, University of Colorado, and University of Michigan.
• Developed and secured funding for intergenerational dialogue between seniors at the Osher Institute of S. Kingston and Providence high school students.
• Created entrepreneurial curriculum for non-college-bound graduates at Providence High School, enhancing job skills and self-directed learning.
• Directed and produced a Makerspace instructional video for adult learners at URI.

CREATIVE PRODUCER-DIRECTOR

Artist in The Room Consultants, Inc

01.2015 - 01.2025

Creative director and CEO of a consulting firm offering strategic project design and execution for artists and organizations. Collaborated with top artists and venues in New York, Miami, Chicago, and London.
• Executed on-site project and management interventions, optimizing board practices, leadership strategies, and resource organization.
• Spearheaded data-driven marketing and designed promotional materials. brochures and catalogs, boosting audience engagement, membership, and fundraising by 50%.
• Launched client websites, online auctions, and Kickstarter campaigns and developed pop-up galleries, new B2B partnerships, documentary videos, and trade show sales events.
• Trained sales teams, boosting sales and merchandise revenue by 50% for artists and galleries

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Legacy Art Collections, Inc.

01.2015 - 01.2021

Launched a boutique agency for art collection legacy management of home and corporate art collections.
• Curated, researched, and documented historic ownership records, appraisals, and legal titles for hundreds of privately owned works of art, enhancing catalog value by 50%.
• Analyzed and interpreted complex contracts, appraisals, and insurance and legal documents to ensure compliance.
• Interviewed collectors and created comprehensive book content, including photography, video, and narrative text.
• Delivered systems support, installing and training on mobile collection apps, providing collectors with unique market access and trading efficiencies;
• Managed a team of 12 independent contractors, including designers, publishers, and researchers, improving project completion rates by 200%.

GALLERY DIRECTOR

Kent Gallery Fine Art

01.2000 - 01.2013

Implemented curatorial vision for a renowned 7500 sq. ft. Key West gallery. Designed an $800L renovation and managed a 5,000 sq. ft. Miami studio. Partnered with galleries for touring shows and pop-ups. Oversaw 130 international artists in 30 mediums and organized adult classes, talks, and fundraising events.
• Launched and curated the annual Pride Month Human Form show and the yearly KW Literary Festival exhibition, showcasing nearly 500 artists over 15 years
• Served as a private dealer for 20th-century masterpieces, including works by Picasso, Chagall, and Hudson River School artists; handled investment partnerships, negotiations, and sales.
• Founded a gallery fund, supporting local nonprofits and initiatives like Hospice, gifted education Odyssey of the Mind, Key West Sculpture shows, and Teen Focus Foundation.
• Collaborated on a 12-year project with the Key West Memorial Committee to create a public art memorial at the site of an 1860s African slave ship refugee mass grave and cemetery.

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Center for Attention

01.2001 - 01.2011

Founded and managed a 501(c)3 non-profit offering artist residencies for experimentation in 2D, 3D, and performance. Provided resources and space for interactive projects. Recruited and led a team of four 12 volunteer families and managed three bungalows.
• Forged a unique partnership with the Brian Neiman Foundation of Miami, securing an initial start-up contribution of $180K over three years.
• Led a community-wide campaign and Rager event, which raised $125K for the Center.
• Managed grants and sponsorship proposals, securing $350K in funding over four years.
• Co-authored a grant with FL Keys Community College, winning a $25K award for an interdisciplinary program involving Center artist residents in interactive installation projects.

PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Merrimack Repertory Theatre

1990 - 2001

Led award-winning theatre company renowned for new play development, educational outreach, and community-based programming. Led and developed a team of 40 elite professionals.
• Achieved a 300% increase in operating budget, contributed income, and membership, adding
seven additional performance weeks to the season.
• Secured $2.5M in a capital campaign to enhance artist housing and expand production facilities and mainstage seating.
• Spearheaded board retreats, recruitment, and governance, enhancing strategic planning initiatives and diversifying representation.
• Launched $2M Partners-in-Education & Young Artists at Play programs, impacting 14,000 students annually.

Summary

Overview

Work History

PROGRAM DESIGNER AND RESEARCHER

CREATIVE PRODUCER-DIRECTOR

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

GALLERY DIRECTOR

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Skills

Education

MASTER'S OF ADULT EDUCATION - CERTIFICATION IN GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS

MASTER OF FINE ARTS - PLAYWRITING AND DRAMATURGY

YEAR-LONG DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE AND DRAMA TEACHER TRAINING -

BACHELOR OF ARTS - POLITICAL THEORY AND ART HISTORY

Websites

Teaching Experience

Project Highlights

Publications

Volunteer Work & Board Service

Awards & Distinctions

Professional Affiliations

Timeline

PROGRAM DESIGNER AND RESEARCHER

CREATIVE PRODUCER-DIRECTOR

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GALLERY DIRECTOR

MASTER'S OF ADULT EDUCATION - CERTIFICATION IN GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS

MASTER OF FINE ARTS - PLAYWRITING AND DRAMATURGY

YEAR-LONG DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE AND DRAMA TEACHER TRAINING -

BACHELOR OF ARTS - POLITICAL THEORY AND ART HISTORY

PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

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