We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Jessica Muise as the Interim Executive Director of TEMPOart, effective August 28, 2023. Muise brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts, making her a perfect fit to lead our organization forward. TEMPOart is a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing and commissioning public art in Portland, ME. Our mission is to enliven public spaces, connect communities, and spark meaningful conversations through art.
We believe in the power of temporary art to encourage deeper thinking and provoke discussions on timely issues. With a commitment to making art free, open, and inclusive, TEMPOart collaborates with educational and cultural institutions to offer inspiring learning opportunities for people of all backgrounds.
Jessica Muise is a dynamic leader with a diverse background in the arts, administration, and community development. Her journey to TEMPOart is filled with a range of experiences that have uniquely prepared her for this exciting new role. Muise has spent a significant portion of her career in the vibrant arts community of New England, specializing in understanding the creative economy and its role in community-building. Her previous roles include:
- Working at the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) in Boston, where she focused on the creative economy.
- Serving as the Membership and Outreach Director at Artisan’s Asylum, a large-scale community space in Somerville.
- Managing visual arts at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord.
- Holding the position of treasurer for CraftMass, a nonprofit organization that supports creative communities.
- Volunteering at Boston University’s BUild Lab, which focuses on arts and social impact.
Furthermore, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in dance in education as transformative pedagogy from New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Her personal work centers on creating dance in public spaces, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement. Muise also participated in the Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice.
Muise’s decision to join TEMPOart was motivated by our mission of transformation through the arts and our role in Biddeford’s vibrant artistic community. She is enthusiastic about helping others experience personal and community transformation through art and believes in the arts as a powerful tool for community development.
Muise’s appointment as Interim Executive Director marks an exciting chapter in TEMPOart’s journey. She joins us during a time of transition, where we’ll be listening to artists, board members, and the community to shape our future strategic plans. As we navigate the post-pandemic landscape, her experience and skills will play a crucial role in ensuring the arts remain a central and secure part of our community’s identity.
We welcome Muise’s energy, enthusiasm, and visionary leadership to TEMPOart and look forward to her contributions as we continue to champion public art in Portland. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Jessica as she takes on her new role. Photo by suger.