CHICAGO, IL.- The Art Institute of Chicago announced today that Veronica Stein will be the museum’s new Woman’s Board Executive Director, Learning and Public Engagement. Stein joins the Art Institute from Chicago’s Snow City Arts Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring and educating children and youth in hospitals through the arts, where she has served as program director since 2018.

In her role as Woman’s Board Executive Director, Learning and Public Engagement, Stein will explore what museum education can be, guiding a holistic vision for learning and creativity that fulfills the needs of diverse constituents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Stein’s strategic thinking, enthusiasm, and energy will shape our path forward, and her particular experience with organizational culture transformation, capacity building, and accessibility, as well as her impactful work with students and educators, will be assets to meeting the changing needs of the museum and our communities. Radiating out from the newly improved and accessible space of the Ryan Learning Center, Stein will lead the museum’s relationships with various constituencies, innovating how individuals and communities can make meaningful connections with our collection and exhibitions through a range of digital and in-person experiences. In addition, as a practicing darkroom photographer and textile artist, she will bring creative energy to the department and the museum.

“I am delighted that the Art Institute shares the priorities that have guided my work throughout my career: designing culturally responsive programming and anti-racist curricula, cultivating fully accessible spaces, and ensuring staff wellness and learning,” said Stein. “Setting the newly enhanced Ryan Learning Center in motion, and further strengthening partnerships with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools, and BIPOC cultural institutions, will be central to my work.”

Stein's background and experience make her uniquely qualified for this role. At Snow City she provided strategic direction for programmatic design, implementation, optimization, and expansion, spearheading the development of virtual learning platforms while transforming programs toward antiracist, trauma-informed modules. She designed programs to reflect the needs of early childhood and neurodiverse learners, both in hospitals and virtually, and established initiatives that supported and cultivated staff wellness and professional development through innovative learning modules. During her time at Snow City, Stein strengthened the organization’s partnerships with the Chicago Public Schools, suburban school districts, and cultural institutions.

“As a dynamic emerging leader in the field of education, Veronica brings new energy, expertise, and vision to this critical role in our museum,” said Sarah Guernsey, Deputy Director and Senior Vice President for Curatorial Affairs. “I am eager to see the growth of the Learning and Public Engagement team under her leadership.”

Prior to her time with Snow City, Stein served as program manager for BUILD (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) and Youth Service Project. In addition to her role as a public speaker on arts education, creativity, and restorative justice, Stein has previously worked as a teaching artist at schools across Chicago. Stein received a BFA in photography, film, and electronic media from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA in art education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Stein will assume her new role at the museum on April 19.