Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocquelyn Boone.
Hi Jocquelyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a lifelong lover of all things arts and culture—an affinity that has shaped every step of my professional journey. I earned a BA in Broadcast Journalism from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC, and an MFA in Film from Howard University in Washington, DC. For two decades, I’ve served as an arts educator and administrator in schools, nonprofits, and local governments across East Coast cities including Charlotte, Washington, DC, Baltimore, and New York.
While I began my career as a writer, my current passion lies in shaping cultural policy within municipal spaces. I also find great joy in developing initiatives that support the arts, connecting artists to vital resources and public assets, and working to elevate the creative sector within the city of Greensboro.
I currently lead Creative Greensboro, the City’s office for arts and culture. Creative Greensboro fuels the city’s cultural vitality by expanding access, supporting artists, and amplifying the creative sector. Through bold programs and partnerships, we build a more vibrant, inclusive Greensboro.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the greatest challenges I’ve encountered while working across multiple cities is communicating the value of the creative sector in terms that resonate with diverse stakeholders—particularly in contexts where the arts are not universally regarded as essential or economically impactful. With funders and local governments balancing competing priorities, the arts are often deprioritized. That’s why it’s crucial to highlight the versatility of the creative sector and demonstrate the arts’ tangible impact—both at the neighborhood level and across the city.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Over the past five years, I’ve served as an arts council director, creative producer, large-scale event programmer, and consultant on exhibition projects—balancing strategic leadership with immersive creative work. I’m passionate about telling authentic stories, whether through a camera lens, a paintbrush stroke, or the movement of dance. What distinguishes me is my instinct for building dynamic teams and transforming bold ideas into reality. I’m energized by collaboration and thrive in environments where creativity and innovation take center stage.
As Chief Creative Economy Officer, I also oversee the Greensboro Cultural Center—a four-story arts hub that houses eighteen cultural nonprofits, including four public galleries, a black box theater, artist studios and residency spaces, and a 300-seat performance venue. Creative Greensboro provides year-round, free and low-cost programming that spans artistic genres and age groups, both within the Center and throughout the broader Greensboro community. The organization holds a unique dual role: deeply connected to the creative sector while maintaining direct access to city leadership. I’m especially proud of my team’s ability to serve both the public and the arts community with equal dedication and care. If you haven’t been to the Greensboro Cultural Center, I encourage you to check us out!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I’m deeply committed to aligning intention with impact—whether in my work, in leading the team at Creative Greensboro, or at home with my 13-year-old son. Every day, I reflect on whether I’ve done my best to improve a situation and consider how I’ve contributed to conversations, both large and small. Who will be most affected by the decisions I make? Who else should be part of these conversations? These questions center my approach to leadership and life, grounding me in purpose and accountability.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/creative-greensboro
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativegreensboro/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeGreensboro/
