Ari Koehnen Sweeney

Ari Koehnen Sweeney leads the nationally recognized public art and education programming at Hennepin Theatre Trust. This includes programs such as production assessments, Spotlight Showcase, Disney Musicals in Schools, 5 to 10, We Are Still Here, It’s The People, murals and gallery exhibitions. She has shown a strong commitment to youth development, the arts and Minnesota throughout her career. Ari is a community leader with a strategic vision for driving cultural and economic vitality in the Hennepin Theatre District and across the state.

Prior to joining the Trust, Ari worked in the Twin Cities theater community in both production and facility management. She also played a large role in the transition of ownership and renovation of the Old Log Theater in Excelsior, Minnesota. She has a strong arts and business background, a dedication to implementing growth initiatives and a focus on nurturing community relationships. Ari earned a bachelor’s degree in arts administration and business communications from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. This accomplishment led her to receiving a certificate in the Executive Program of Arts and Culture Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice, in partnership with National Arts Strategies.

Ari proudly serves as board chair for ComMUSICation, a nonprofit focusing on youth development through music, as well as the vice president of the Minnesota Theater Alliance, which offers statewide support and advocacy to the performing arts community.