Creative Time, a New York-based nonprofit known for large-scale public art, has appointed Jean Cooney as its executive director. Cooney previously served as vice president of arts and culture at the Times Square Alliance and director of Times Square Arts since 2019, and before that spent seven years at Creative Time, rising to deputy director. She worked on major projects including Kara Walker's 'A Subtlety' at the Domino Sugar Factory. Cooney succeeds Justine Ludwig, who stepped down in September to join PST ART as inaugural creative director. Cooney begins her role on February 23, and the organization will celebrate her return at its annual spring gala on April 28.
This appointment matters because Cooney brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong track record in public art, having led Times Square Arts and previously held key roles at Creative Time. Her leadership comes at a pivotal moment as Creative Time continues to define the field of groundbreaking public art, and her experience navigating high-profile, sometimes controversial projects positions her to guide the organization into its next decade. The transition also highlights the ongoing evolution of leadership at major public art nonprofits.