Creative Time, a prominent New York-based arts organization celebrated for its impactful public art initiatives, has officially announced Jean Cooney as its new Executive Director. This appointment marks a significant moment for the institution, as Cooney, with her extensive background in public arts leadership, returns to an organization where she previously made substantial contributions. Her vision and commitment are expected to propel Creative Time into a new phase of innovative and engaging public art experiences.
Creative Time Welcomes Jean Cooney to Lead Future Public Art Initiatives
On January 22, 2026, Creative Time, the New York-based arts nonprofit known for its large-scale public art projects, officially announced the appointment of Jean Cooney as its new Executive Director. This move is poised to usher in a new era for the organization, recognized for its groundbreaking contributions to public art.
Jean Cooney brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to her new role. From 2019, she served as the Vice President of Arts and Culture for the Times Square Alliance, an organization dedicated to enhancing the vibrant cultural landscape of Times Square. Concurrently, she was the Director of Times Square Arts, where she oversaw numerous impactful public art installations. Before her tenure at Times Square, Cooney spent seven formative years at Creative Time, progressively taking on more responsibilities, culminating in her role as Deputy Director from June 2018 to April 2019. During this period, she was instrumental in significant projects, including Kara Walker's monumental sugar sculpture, A Subtlety, or the Marvelous Sugar Baby, at the Domino Sugar Factory in Brooklyn, a work recognized by ARTnews as one of the 21st century's top artworks.
Jon Neidich, Creative Time Board Chair, expressed immense enthusiasm for Cooney's appointment. He highlighted her deep dedication to public art and her strong connections within the artistic community, affirming her as the ideal candidate to guide the organization into its next decade as a leader in innovative public art. Cooney herself shared her excitement, emphasizing her eagerness to build upon Creative Time's legacy of defining the public art field and championing artists in creating seemingly impossible, yet profoundly engaging, works. She plans to leverage her past experience with both Creative Time and Times Square Arts to bridge the organization's past, present, and future.
During her leadership at Times Square Alliance, Cooney facilitated the realization of major public art projects by artists such as Yvette Mayorga, Maia Chao, and Shantell Martin. Notably, she oversaw the presentation of Thomas J. Price's 2023 sculpture Grounded in the Stars, a 12-foot-tall depiction of a Black woman that sparked considerable public discourse. Cooney's appointment follows the departure of Justine Ludwig, who stepped down in September after more than seven years as Creative Time's executive director to become the inaugural creative director for PST ART, a Getty-funded initiative supporting art institutions in Southern California. Jean Cooney is set to commence her duties at Creative Time on February 23 and will be celebrated at the organization's annual spring gala on April 28.
Jean Cooney's return to Creative Time signals a promising future for the organization and the broader public art landscape. Her extensive experience, coupled with her passion for fostering innovative artistic expressions in public spaces, positions her as a dynamic leader. This appointment underscores the importance of seasoned leadership in nurturing and expanding access to art, particularly in a world that increasingly values cultural engagement and public discourse. We can anticipate Creative Time continuing to push boundaries and inspire audiences under her guidance.