The Kentucky Arts Council, supports the Carnegie with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the arts.
COVINGTON, Ky. (August 30, 2023) – An experienced development officer, museum, and arts non-profit professional, Ben Lehman, will depart from the Contemporary Arts Center and begin leading The Carnegie development program in October.
A Creative, a Connector, and a Community Builder
A lifelong creative, connector and Cincinnati native, Ben Lehman is a seasoned fundraiser with a decade of experience in development, community building and arts administration. He brings expertise in donor cultivation and engagement, annual fund and capital campaign management, project management, private and public events, programming and more. Outside of work, Ben is a passionate music and art enthusiast, musician, collector and frequent consumer of sports and pop culture.
Executive Director Matt Distel states, “We’re excited to bring Ben on board as our Development Director. It is a new position that will lead our annual fund, spearhead fresh fundraising events and secure crucial sponsorships for organizational growth.”
“Ben’s experience at the CAC brings a community-focused perspective to the position that aligns with The Carnegie’s mission of inspiring creativity and fostering the celebration the arts for all.”
Supporting The Carnegie’s Growth
Ben will be working alongside Carnegie Development Coordinator, Angelina Caliguri-Schrand. Angelina has worked to secure funding for The Carnegie for over five years and has been with the organization since 2010. Together Ben and Angelina will develop a strategic plan that will support the continued growth and sustainability of the multidisciplinary arts organization.
Additionally, Ben will also take the helm of The Carnegie’s major annual fundraiser, SUITS THAT ROCK. For the past 16 years, SUITS has raised over 1.5 million dollars for The Carnegie’s Education Department. This year, SUITS saw an unprecedented number of sponsors: funding arts education programming in schools for over 6,000 students in our region.
New Events on the Horizon
During his tenure at The Contemporary Arts Center, Ben oversaw programs such as the Annual Gala & Benefit, Season Previews & Sponsorship Dinners, Exhibition Openings, Donor Receptions, and more. He also curated the CAC’s Subterranean Concert Series featuring musical artists like Bryan Devendorf (The National,) ‘The Serfs’, ‘Empath’ (Philidelphia, PA) and others.
