Emily Brookover
Director of Creative Engagement & Placemaking at Downtown Wichita (Wichita Downtown Development Corporation)- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Credentials
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Certificate of Completion - Placemaking: Making It Happen
Project for Public SpacesMay, 2019- Oct, 2024
Experience
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Director of Creative Engagement & Placemaking
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Jan 2019 - Present
As the Director of Creative Engagement & Placemaking, I manage and implement various programming, public art, and placemaking initiatives, serve as the liaison to businesses and property owners within the downtown district, and work with partner organizations and municipalities to further the mission of Downtown Wichita. A primary focus of my position is revitalizing and enhancing Wichita’s urban core to improve perceptions, increase vitality, and support the implementation and support of arts and culture within the district. I also research and write grant proposals for various initiatives as well lead the management of numerous budgets and grant reporting.
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City of Wichita Kansas
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United States
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Government Administration
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700 & Above Employee
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Artistic Director - CityArts
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Apr 2016 - Dec 2018
As the Artistic Director at CityArts, my main responsibility was to plan and execute the exhibition calendar for CityArts, Century II, and other city locations for 50+ exhibitions a year. I also set and realized annual gallery and gift shop sales goals and created strategies to increase revenue. I assisted with ongoing marketing efforts and promotion of exhibitions and special events. I took great pleasure in continuing to develop my relationships and working closely with the local arts communities. I prioritized identifying seasoned as well as upcoming artists whose work merited inclusion in gallery exhibitions. I also managed and executed the layout, installation, and maintenance of all exhibitions which included overseeing gallery preparators, assistants, and interns. Oversight and management of the galleries and gift shop included record keeping, trend reporting, artist payments, etc. The planning and execution of special community events was also required which included fundraising events, artist talks, presentations, and demonstrations. I also strived to maintain a close and working relationship with Wichita’s Arts Council that included receiving guidance and oversight as well as the coordination of projects that involved local and regional artists. I also served as the liaison with other individuals, organizations, and non-profits involved in related work to support and coordinate efforts.
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Emprise Bank
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Banking
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200 - 300 Employee
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Branch Manager
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Oct 2014 - Apr 2016
At Emprise Bank, a local and community-focused financial institution, I was responsible for the administration and efficient daily operation of a full-service branch. As the Branch Manager, my responsibilities included operations oversight, financial lending, product sales, customer service, and security. Superior customer service was a top priority with the goal of developing new deposit and loan relationships. I provided leadership to a frontline team to ensure outstanding customer experiences. I promoted a positive sales and service culture through coaching, guidance, and training. I was tasked with managing difficult situations with customers in order to provide quick and diplomatic resolution, information or options. I prepared and conducted monthly and yearly performance reviews for team members and had the pleasure of collaborating with leadership in the hiring and training of bank staff. I also lead monthly, quarterly and yearly pre-audits to identify and mitigate risk and to ensure adherence with compliance policies and procedures.
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Owner
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Jun 2010 - Jun 2014
One of the most rewarding experiences of my life was opening my own business, Bluebird Arthouse. I researched and created a viable business plan, secured financing, and negotiated lease terms. As the single owner and operator, I managed all marketing, communications, branding, PR, and advertising. I also launched and maintained an incredible and successful social media presence. I proudly hired, trained, and led a team of four with zero turnover for 3 years. Collectively, we offered daily consultative services to professional and amateur artists. I oversaw all aspects of retail sales (including locally and regionally sourced consignment,) inventory, human resources, and strategy. Bluebird Arthouse was home to a large retail space, two art galleries as well as a classroom. We were also home to two local non-profit organizations who have since grown into incredible participants and supporters in Wichita.
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Wichita State University
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Instructor of Record / GTA
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2007 - 2011
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant and later an Instructor of Record, I instructed various levels and disciplines of Fine Arts including Drawing, Painting, Design and Sculpture to undergraduate-level students that included art and non-art majors. I prepared and presented lecture material and curriculum. I also maintained student records, monitored and recorded student progress, implemented portfolio reviews and participated in meetings and workshops. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant and later an Instructor of Record, I instructed various levels and disciplines of Fine Arts including Drawing, Painting, Design and Sculpture to undergraduate-level students that included art and non-art majors. I prepared and presented lecture material and curriculum. I also maintained student records, monitored and recorded student progress, implemented portfolio reviews and participated in meetings and workshops.
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Lawrence Journal World
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Newspaper Publishing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Advertising Sales Coordinator / Account Executive
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2003 - 2005
Advertising Sales Coordinator: I developed marketing strategies including the advertising and marketing campaigns thereunder to aid in and promote advertising sales. I designed advertising, marketing, and promotional materials and constructed promotional plans, sales literature, media kits and sales contracts. I wrote copy for presentations, literature, and advertising layouts. Most importantly, I liaised between internal departments including Sales, Graphic Design and Upper Management to complete campaigns and strategies achieving client timeframes and objectives. I was also tasked with creating and executing fun and engaging training seminars for sales staff.Prior to becoming the Advertising Sales Coordinator, I served as an Account Executive: I sold multi-media advertising including television commercials, newspaper print ads, and online advertising to businesses in the Lawrence and Topeka, Kansas areas. I established new accounts while strengthening existing relationships. I created and delivered sales presentations to new and existing customers to maintain, protect, and increase advertising spending. I obtained and researched client information, needs, advertising history, and business practices to offer appropriate advertising assistance. I also organized and aided in commercial television production. I attended sales meetings, industry trade shows, and training seminars to further Company objectives.
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Education
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2008 - 2010
Wichita State University
Master of Fine Arts, Painting -
1999 - 2003
University of Kansas
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Painting
Community
