LOUISVILLE, KY.- Speed Art Museum announced the appointment of Kim Butterweck as its new Director of Communications and Marketing. With extensive experience in communications and a strong history of fostering collaboration and inspiring innovation across teams and partnerships, Butterweck will play an important role in strengthening the Museum’s brand and advancing its mission.

In her new role, Butterweck oversees the team responsible for external communications, with a focus on showcasing and amplifying the Speed’s significant cultural contributions to Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and beyond. This includes creatively promoting the Museum’s exhibitions, programs, and learning opportunities to engage diverse audiences and foster a sense of community and belonging.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim to the Speed family during such a pivotal time in the Museum’s history,” said Raphaela Platow, Director of the Speed Art Museum. “Working closely with others on the leadership team, she will play a pivotal role in bringing our ambitious strategic plan to life, which centers on Art, Learning, and Inclusion; Operational Excellence; and Financial Strength. Kim is joining at a moment in time when many new initiatives are underway across the Speed that support our vision of inviting everyone to celebrate art, forever. This includes our new Speed Art Park, an art-filled green space currently under development that will always be open and free to the community.”

Butterweck, a Louisville native, brings nearly 30 years of experience in communications and marketing. She most recently served as the assistant vice president of brand and marketing for the University of Louisville, where she led a successful rebranding initiative, developed the institution’s first-ever strategic communications framework, and launched an award-winning brand campaign. Her prior roles include executive editor for Kentucky Monthly magazine, account management, video production and strategic messaging at local advertising and PR agencies, and internal communications and public relations for Papa John’s International.

Butterweck’s hiring rounds out the Museum’s relatively new leadership team under Platow, who joined the Speed in 2021. The museum has since reinstalled all collection galleries to highlight more diverse cultural voices and narratives; refreshed the design of the Speed entrance and café; and rebuilt its staff, budget, and programs to surpass pre-COVID levels. Significant upcoming projects include the highly anticipated Speed Art Park opening in 2025 and the Museum’s centennial celebration in 2027.

“I’m honored to join the talented team at the Speed who are passionate about bringing art into people’s lives,” said Butterweck. “The arts have profoundly shaped my personal and professional journey, and my time at the university reinforced how critical the arts and humanities are in shaping thoughtful, engaged individuals, fostering connections and creating community. I am excited to help expand the Speed’s reach and influence to ensure an ever-growing number of people experience the joy and transformative power of art.”