Brett Swinney

Brett Swinney is a multifaceted artist and arts administrator with over 25 years of experience in Chicago's cultural landscape. He currently serves as the Cultural Affairs Coordinator for the Public Art Department at the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), where he manages public art projects throughout Chicago. Prior to his position at DCASE, Brett held leadership roles at prominent arts organizations, including the Community Arts Engagement Manager for Arts Public Life, the Production Director for Links Hall, the Volunteer Coordinator for the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, and the Program Manager for the Chicago Artists Resource. He co-founded AnySquared Projects, a grassroots arts collective, and the Real Freedom Projects/Art Leaders of Color Network, initiatives dedicated to amplifying the voices and work of BIPOC artists and producers. Brett's diverse expertise encompasses photography, music, video production, web development, and podcasting. His passion for community engagement is evident in his extensive work organizing and curating exhibitions, performances, and arts events in institutional and communal spaces throughout the city. He has received grants and awards from the Propeller Fund, the Hyde Park Art Center's Artists Run Chicago Fund, the SAIC Enrichment Fund, and the Awesome Foundation. Brett holds an M.A. in Arts Administration & Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a B.A. in Photography from Columbia College Chicago.