Our amazing community of creative professionals is flush with individuals who have devoted their careers to making the world a more beautiful place. But their amazing projects have become, over time, stronger, deeper, more meaningful. Artists and their collaborators are tackling difficult issues of a social, political, or environmental nature. Their work is fueled by the desire to solve real-world problems, or to raise provocative questions, or to make us pay attention to the world around us. They define, more than anything else, a true sense of courage.
These are the individuals who lead the way in affecting change. They have changed the way we interact with art through novel applications of materials, technology, execution and the use of space in the urban landscape. They all implore us to do better.
For the fifth year, CODAworx has gathered together a list of 25 fearless leaders of this artistic-activist revolution to shine a spotlight on their efforts – which reflect so well on this entire industry of public art professionals. The list of Creative Revolutionaries includes the artist magicians whose diverse works serve as mirrors of our world. It also includes the pioneering commissioners who push the envelope to support artwork that facilitates empathy and engagement.
It is our distinct honor to bring together the leading rabble-rousers who are truly our heroes. They provide us with the vision, connections, strategy, and effective practices to influence change, and give us all a renewed sense of purpose.
Toni Sikes
CEO — CODAworx
These are the individuals who lead the way in affecting change. They have changed the way we interact with art through novel applications of materials, technology, execution and the use of space in the urban landscape. They all implore us to do better.
For the fifth year, CODAworx has gathered together a list of 25 fearless leaders of this artistic-activist revolution to shine a spotlight on their efforts – which reflect so well on this entire industry of public art professionals. The list of Creative Revolutionaries includes the artist magicians whose diverse works serve as mirrors of our world. It also includes the pioneering commissioners who push the envelope to support artwork that facilitates empathy and engagement.
It is our distinct honor to bring together the leading rabble-rousers who are truly our heroes. They provide us with the vision, connections, strategy, and effective practices to influence change, and give us all a renewed sense of purpose.
Toni Sikes
CEO — CODAworx
Kerry Adams Hapner
Nathaniel Cas Ancheta
Malene Barnett
Antoine Clayette
Kris Collins
Chris T. Cornelius
Justin Brookhart
Chris Dyson & Emily Womack
Jeremy Crandell
Roger Ferris
Maria Finkelmeier
Michael Ford
FUTUREFORMS
Anaisa Franco
Necole Irvin
David Judson
SITARA SYSTEMS
Rob Ley
David Schwarz
Courtney Mattison
Ilene Shaw
Anton R. T. Morton
Ben Rubin
Stanis Smith
Josie Williams
Director of Cultural Affairs / Assistant Director of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, City of San Jose, CA: “Public art is your art! That is one of my favorite things to share with residents. While working at an exclusive blue chip fine art gallery on Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive over 20 years ago, I pivoted to join the inclusive field of public art. I love working with artists and the community to manifest inspired artwork into the public realm. To do so, sometimes you challenge norms and spearhead thinking differently. As a local art agency director, my canvas is the city and its public realm. I strive for aspirational imagination and champion artists, innovation, and transformative ideas. I want people to see themselves in art that is unifying.”
President, Art In Residence: “Picture me as a visionary placemaker, merging research, studio work, and community engagement. Central to my practice is the redefining of the artist’s role from solitary genius to collaborative contributor. I focus on reimagining the artist as a place maker, creating work that is deeply rooted in themes of identity, self, representation, and connection to place. As President of Art In Residence, I also advocate for site-responsive art in Antelope Valley, CA, fostering community through exhibitions, education, and outreach. My commitment extends to public arts leadership within the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, CA.”
Artist/ Activist/ Legacy Maker/ Speaker + Founder, Black Artists + Designers Guild: “My work examines the relationship between handmade techniques in modern art and design. My travels around the world, coupled with a deep appreciation for the details and forms found in West African art, have offered me a unique insight. Research- in mediums, processes, and techniques- is where I examine my ideas, explore new concepts, and apply them to future works. In this process, I channel the paths of renowned artists such as Lois Mailou Jones, Elizabeth Catlett, Barkley Hendricks, and others who came before me. Their dedication to craft and purpose while keeping cultural traditions alive and creating legacies encourages me to continue enhancing my artistic heritage with meaning.”
Co-founder and CEO, Wireframe: “Pioneering the field of Interactive Public Art, my leadership has been instrumental in establishing global standards over the past decade for producing and touring interactive artworks and experiences in the public space. Consistently advocating for sustainable practices and fair revenues for artists, my driving force lies in promoting creative projects that foster neighbourhood growth and leave a positive impact on communities. Today, Wireframe remains at the forefront, continuing to play a crucial role in shaping this emerging industry.”
Managing Director of Cultural Projects, MGAC: “An advocate for artists to plan their creative visions, guide contract negotiations, manage realistic budgets, and execute large-scale public art projects. With 34 years of experience in the project management of complex cultural building projects, Kris now applies this expertise to assist the artist community. Artist clients include Hank Willis Thomas, Nekisha Durrett, Coby Kennedy, Kendall Buster, Brian Tolle, Mia Pearlman, among others. Kris overcomes the primary challenges in the public art commission process: supporting the creative process, managing budget expectations, and effectively communicating with attorneys and commissioning entities. Commission projects don’t have to be chaos.”
studio:indigenous: “Indigenous communities are experiencing a profound creative revolution, reclaiming narratives and traditions through innovative expressions. Rooted in cultural heritage, my work challenges stereotypes and fosters a renewed sense of identity. The work goes beyond aesthetics, intertwining storytelling, respect for Mother Earth, and community engagement. This creative revolution is not just a visual transformation but a powerful assertion of Indigenous presence and resilience. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting diverse perspectives, fostering a more inclusive design landscape. As an Indigenous designer, I continue to redefine and shape our narratives, contributing to a global dialogue that celebrates cultural richness and challenges colonial legacies.”
“Dyson & Womack embody a creative revolution in public art, reshaping the field through a deeply personal commitment to equity, accessibility, and excellence in public art. Their visionary approach transforms projects into meaningful dialogues, sparking conversations on the purpose and significance of art in public spaces. Dyson & Womack’s dedication to pioneering innovation and championing inclusivity marks them as trailblazers and creative change-makers whose work leaves an indelible mark on the contemporary public art field. Dyson & Womack’s contributions support a more vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape.”
Producer: “Creating art and sharing it with the world takes patient resolve and a broad perspective. To make the unseen seen, artists need a thought partner to bring their concept into the world. To manage the panoply of production into a coherent whole. To respond to the concrete demands of a site or situation. Acting as a creative partner I have had the pleasure and privilege to work with creators to enable their complex and sometimes inconceivable visions to be shared with a wide audience in the public space. My dedication to this process and a systems approach supports artists and their ability to move culture forward.”
Principal Creative Director, Content & Experience, AT&T Discovery District: “I’m passionate about creating experiences at the intersection of technology, art, and culture – experiences that resonate with audiences and foster a sense of connection. By taking a very artful approach, focused on inspiration and a sense of discovery, I strive to create engagement across platforms and mediums that delight visitors with the unexpected and encourage participation. I want to create a sense of place where visitors don’t feel like they’re simply watching something – they’re a part of the story.“
Composer, performer, digital + public artist: “I love to make noise, to bring people together to experience a moment of joy or reflection, or to loudly share an idea or social narrative. As a percussionist and composer, I explore new sounds and resonance with both traditional instruments, everyday objects, and pieces of architecture. As a public artist, I love to develop teams of collaborators to discover new ways to create accessible experiences using technology and community engagement. Noise is sonic, but it’s also the bravery to take a leap into unknown territory, to build new bridges, and to manifest something beyond a single vision.”
Architect, “Hip Hop Inspired Architecture and Design:” “I’ve spent my career dedicated to stimulating cross-disciplinary discourse between practitioners and residents on the sociological and cultural implications of architecture and urban planning on its inhabitants. This passion has unveiled the subconscious roles of historical architectural figures such as LeCorbusier in envisioning the built environments that necessitated the birth of hip-hop culture. As a galvanizer and pioneer of a new era of architectural practitioners, I Co-founded The Urban Arts Collective and created The Hip Hop Architecture Camp™ with the mission to increase the number of minorities in architecture and urban planning.”
Artist: “Driven by the belief that design mirrors life’s formation, my passion is building participatory public artworks that activate bodies and spaces and also resonate with the essence of human existence. I marvel at the interconnectedness of the micro and macro worlds, where vortex structures can be found in the molecular DNA, biometrical fingerprints, or even colossal entities like Black Holes and Galaxies. I have been dedicated to merging parametric design, digital fabrication, new materials, and technology through experimentation. My collaborative creative studio in Barcelona with an extension in South Florida, is constantly prototyping to implement experiential self-sustainable organisms. Within two decades of dedicated work, we completed 40 interactive projects exhibited globally.”
Jason Kelly Johnson, Co-Founder, Partner, Lead Artist + Nataly Gattegno, Co-Founder & Design Principal:
“We believe in the power of public art to transform our surroundings, impact our day-to-day routines, and transform our experiences of the public realm. Our work is experiential and playful, integrated and engaged with its context, while allowing multiple interpretations and experiences to simultaneously coexist. It is always intricately made, with a high degree of digital craft and a commitment to materiality and making. Our work varies in terms of effects, relying on geometry, light, and shadow to create variable, memorable, and impactful artwork that is always different, never the same.”
“We believe in the power of public art to transform our surroundings, impact our day-to-day routines, and transform our experiences of the public realm. Our work is experiential and playful, integrated and engaged with its context, while allowing multiple interpretations and experiences to simultaneously coexist. It is always intricately made, with a high degree of digital craft and a commitment to materiality and making. Our work varies in terms of effects, relying on geometry, light, and shadow to create variable, memorable, and impactful artwork that is always different, never the same.”
Director, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Houston : “As a child of the US South, being grounded in history of place and understanding the importance of systems has shaped my work. Leading the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) in Houston has included the redesign of the city’s arts grants system to expand access and deepen impact, restructured and elevated the civic art program, and focused work in the music industry which is a global under-tapped Houston resource. With a community-informed vision, the creative sector’s role as an economic driver drives home the importance of authentic stories and equitable structures. MOCA’s work for creatives is foundational to its success.”
President and Owner, Judson Studios: “I’m the fifth-generation president and owner of Judson Studios, the oldest family-run stained glass studio in America, founded in 1897. Since 1996, I have overseen hundreds of projects both nationally and internationally; expanded the company from its historic Los Angeles headquarters into two additional studio locations; innovated intriguing new methods of glassmaking; partnered with dozens of fine artists; and built some of the most ambitious projects in the company’s history. While continuing to work in traditional styles, Judson Studios continues expanding the concepts of what glass can do in modern public spaces.”
Nathan Lachenmyer, Director of Technology + Sadiya Akasha, COO, Director Of Product Development: “Our collective future depends on our ability to self-reflect, communicate complex ideas, and think about the future as vividly as we feel the present. One of the biggest challenges is that we tend to imagine the future with our minds, and not with our hearts. Our creative practice integrates technology into space to craft immersive and interactive works that ask our audiences to engage with the possibilities ahead emotionally. We firmly believe that public art can play a key role as a platform for the kind of self-reflection and reimagining that we collectively need.”
Artist, Rob Ley Studio: “My studio explores how motion, engagement, and technology come together to shape unique installations. At the core of my artistic exploration is a fascination with creating immersive experiences that unfold uniquely from various viewpoints, perspectives, and positions. These large installations are crafted to invite viewers into a journey of discovery, where each step and angle offers a distinct encounter with the artwork. The interplay of position and distance becomes a key element in the narrative, with pieces revealing intricate details up close while transforming into entirely new perspectives when observed from a distance.”
Founding Partner, HUSH: “I’m an award-winning designer and a founding partner of HUSH, a design firm. I’ve spent nearly 20 years designing experiences and installations that integrate spatial design and sustainable materials, creative technology, interactivity, and data. These meticulously designed experiences - brand spaces, commercial architecture, exhibitions, public and cultural environments - are three-dimensional expressions of an organization’s culture, products, and its highest-order messages. I am also a mentor at New, Inc. — the New Museum’s incubator program for art, technology, and design — where I’ve had the fortune of working with incredibly talented start-up creative businesses poised to change the world.”
Founder, EAR Studio Inc: “If we could travel forward and backward in time, could we understand how to repair the world we live in now? In my Brooklyn studio amid mountains of books, photographs and century-old papers, I’m using history and fiction as lenses to reach through time and see what is happening beyond the horizon.”
Artist: “I hand-craft enormous and intricate ceramic sculptural works that visualize climate change by exploring the fragile beauty of marine life, participating in a creative revolution to inspire solutions to the climate crisis. Porcelain tentacles and the brittle bodies of living corals share a fragility that makes them vulnerable to human impact. I identify with the challenges faced by corals, patiently and methodically constructing large, delicate, stony structures. Viewers of my work may feel as if they are hovering over the seafloor discovering details from every angle, and motivated to protect ocean health while we still can.”
Executive Director, NYCxDESIGN + Founding Producer, Design Pavilion: “I’ve devoted my career to championing exceptional design. As a young product designer, I recognized the profound impact of design, urging me to advocate through the creation of new platforms, sharing, and raising awareness. I am drawn to design that ascends to the level of art—solving problems while infusing beauty. I actively seek daring creatives who delve into critical issues like social justice and the well-being of humanity. I implore visionaries to step into the limelight with unconventional, thought-provoking innovation. In a world shadowed by the specter of destruction, our creative duty is to replace it with goodness, inclusivity, sustainability, and honesty in support of a healthier future. I believe good design is vital to this goal, and through my work, I entreat creatives to lead with vision and courage.”
CEO/Principal, Kasum Manifold: “I’ve made it a mission to be a change leader across the industry by advocating for process change, operating a collaboration-forward creative practice, and working to help other creatives succeed with him. As the Principal and Co-Founder of Kasum Manifold I build multicultural teams to address site-specific projects, consult on and commission creative projects, and administer art services for organizations, governments, and studios around the globe. My creative practice is rooted in my Native American cultural beliefs and desire for greater inclusion and equity across the cultures that define our shared experience.”
Strategic Advisor, Stanis Smith: “My specialty is the integration of art into airports. As an architect and an art lover, I believe in the power of art to enhance the passenger experience and create a revolution in the way that people think about airports. Art has been the key contributor to the distinctive ‘sense of place” of the airports where I’ve worked, which include Vancouver and Ottawa in Canada, Santiago in Chile, Quito in Ecuador, Bermuda, and Nassau in the Bahamas, and La Guardia and JFK, where I’m currently involved with the art program in the new Terminal 6.”
Founder and Lead Data Scientist, Algorithmic Equity: “As a creative technologist and digital artist, I immerse myself in the realm of emerging technologies, specifically AI and VR. My artistic journey is defined by using code not just as a tool, but as a unique language of human expression. In my exploration, I delve into the semi-temporal and quasi-physical aspects of technology, seeking to understand how these facets resonate with my body, ripple through my community, and influence the intricate web of global supply chains. In an evolving digital landscape, my practice is a dance with technology, an intimate dialogue between code and creativity. Each project is a step deeper into this uncharted territory, where art and technology converge to redefine the boundaries of expression and experience.”
Senior Vice President, Cultural Economy; Executive Director, BLINK:
“In my role as Executive Director of BLINK, America’s largest public art event, I am committed to fostering a Creative Revolution. My role centers on using technology and large-scale platforms to help diverse artists share their visions on a grand stage. This approach is about more than viewing art; it’s about engaging with the artists’ perspectives and intentions. At BLINK, we don’t just curate and display art, we create a vibrant tapestry of ideas and expressions. Our event serves as a unifying force, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to share in these dynamic experiences. By blending technology with artistic creativity, we highlight the unifying power of art, transforming every moment into an opportunity for exploration and connection.”
“In my role as Executive Director of BLINK, America’s largest public art event, I am committed to fostering a Creative Revolution. My role centers on using technology and large-scale platforms to help diverse artists share their visions on a grand stage. This approach is about more than viewing art; it’s about engaging with the artists’ perspectives and intentions. At BLINK, we don’t just curate and display art, we create a vibrant tapestry of ideas and expressions. Our event serves as a unifying force, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to share in these dynamic experiences. By blending technology with artistic creativity, we highlight the unifying power of art, transforming every moment into an opportunity for exploration and connection.”
This year, CODAworx sets out to deliberately reframe thoughts of the future.
For this reason, we are especially proud to present the 2024 Creative Revolutionaries.
For this reason, we are especially proud to present the 2024 Creative Revolutionaries.
cre·a·tive
/krēˈādiv/
— relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.
— (of a person) having good imagination or original ideas.
rev·o·lu·tion·ar·y
/revəˈlo͞oSHəˌnerē/
— involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.
/krēˈādiv/
— relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.
— (of a person) having good imagination or original ideas.
rev·o·lu·tion·ar·y
/revəˈlo͞oSHəˌnerē/
— involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.