Koven Smith is an arts strategist, technologist, and program director with over 30 years dedicated to building a thriving future for the arts through technology. At the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, he designed its tech-forward arts funding strategy and directed more than $80M in arts+tech grants across eight U.S. cities.
Before Knight, Koven shaped the digital foundations of the museum technology field as a digital team leader at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Denver Art Museum, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. He has also advised nationally and internationally, creating digital and content strategies for institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, The Smithsonian, and Fotogalleriet.
Koven continues to give back to the arts through volunteer board service with the American Composers Forum, the Western Museums Association, and the Museum Computer Network.
WORK
Principal
Koven J. Smith Consulting | 2013–present
Koven’s independent consulting practice focuses on helping cultural organizations build capacity through digital transformation. Clients have included Knight Foundation, Doris Duke Foundation, The Blanton Museum of Art, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Watermill Foundation, the Chicago Architecture Foundation, and others.
Senior Director, Arts
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation | 2021–2025
Koven managed an $80M portfolio of arts+technology grants across 8 cities, which included the development of the Knight Digital Maturity model for impact assessment, the launch of the the Knight Art+Tech Expansion Fund, an $8M open call program for digital infrastructure, and multi-million dollar community arts initiatives in Akron and Detroit. Koven developed Knight’s tech-forward arts funding framework, and played a critical role in reshaping Knight’s overall funding strategy in 2025.
Head of Digital
Blanton Museum of Art, University of Texas | 2014–2018
Denver Art Museum | 2010–2013
Metropolitan Museum of Art | 2005–2010
Indianapolis Museum of Art | 2001–2005
Koven led digital teams of 5–10 staff and contractors, developed institution-wide digital strategies, and managed website redesigns, in-gallery interpretive technology, and mobile applications. Koven implemented collections and digital asset systems emphasizing Open Access, creating sustainable digital infrastructure that continues to support museums today.