New Staff at Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council to Drive Diversity and Equity, and Communications Projects

Pittsburgh – February 20, 2019 – The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (GPAC) is pleased to welcome two new staff to its downtown Pittsburgh team. Cecile Shellman joins GPAC as its Diversity Catalyst, a long-term consultant to lead its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and programs. Kristen Wishon will serve as its Director of Communications, leading all marketing and public relations efforts for the council.

"GPAC is dedicated to supporting the region's diverse and vibrant arts community by providing leadership, advocacy, capacity building, and connections," said Mitch Swain, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. "Both Cecile and Kristen are a natural fit to help further our mission to promote the arts and strengthen our ongoing commitment to diversity and equity."

An expert in her field, Shellman has been consulting with museums across the country on a full-time basis. She has also pioneered diversity and inclusion strategies at the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, Pittsburgh Public Schools' Culturally Responsive Arts Education Initiative, Heckscher Museum of Art in New York, among other positions. She holds a graduate certificate in museum studies from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Brigham Young University. She serves as a co-chair on the Diversity Committee of the American Alliance of Museums.

"I'm thrilled to work with GPAC to develop greater capacity in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion for arts organizations, arts leaders, and board members in the greater Pittsburgh region," said Shellman. "In my role, I will expand professional development opportunities that will help embed practices that support restorative social justice into our thriving arts community."

Serving as the organization's second communications director, Wishon brings eight years of public relations and marketing experience to GPAC. She most recently worked as a Communications Specialist at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Fallingwater, leading social media and marketing initiatives for both entities. A native of Charleston, W.Va., Wishon holds a Master and Bachelor of Science in Journalism from West Virginia University with an emphasis in public relations.

"The arts and culture community is the heartbeat of many cities, and Pittsburgh has a beating drum," said Wishon. "I hope to help elevate and shine a spotlight on our local artists, art organizations, and artist resources to continue to strengthen and support our community."

Funding for Shellman's position is generously provided by the Heinz Endowments and the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

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