Sofia Klatzker will join the City of Santa Monica as its new Cultural Affairs Manager. Klatzker is tasked with overseeing a broad range of community-focused cultural, creative, and arts policies, programs, and investments. She will work with staff, the Arts Commission, and the community to build upon, advance, and reinforce the vital contribution of art and culture in shaping the character of Santa Monica.
"Sofia has a rich and diverse background in leading and producing arts programming, advocating for and supporting arts and cultural organizations, arts education, and cultural equity and inclusion," said Acting Director of Community Services Danielle Noble. "She has served on local and State arts and culture councils and boards, is well-versed in governmental, non-profit, and private operations, and is passionate about creating innovative arts and culture experiences and possibilities."
Klatzker most recently served as the Vice President, Strategy for the award-winning 99% Invisible podcast where she focused on strategic planning, visioning for the future, and implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies, including creating pathways for women of color in podcasting. In prior roles, she transformed ArtsDay into a regional Arts Month celebration across Los Angeles County and designed groundbreaking grants programs to support arts nonprofits focused on health and social services.
"The City of Santa Monica has a wonderful history of artistic expression, strong leadership, and a deeply engaged arts community. I am thrilled to be joining the Community Services Department and the Cultural Affairs Division team," said Klatzker. "The City's commitment to ensuring that arts and culture will thrive in the future is impressive and I appreciate that the arts are seen as a platform for celebration, healing, learning, and economic stability. I look forward to being of service and working with the local arts community, the Arts Commission, and staff to continue to embed arts and culture across all aspects of life in Santa Monica."
Klatzker has over 20 years of professional arts experience, gained at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Arts for LA and Sirius XM/Stitcher/99% Invisible. She earned a Masters in Arts Administration from Goucher College and a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin College.
She begins her role on May 8, 2023, with an annual salary of $176,648.
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