I am an arts strategist, technologist, and program director with over 30 years dedicated to building a thriving future for the arts through technology strategy. I was most recently at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, where I designed Knight’s tech-forward arts funding strategy and directed more than $80M in arts+tech grants across eight U.S. cities.
Before Knight, I helped shape 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.
As a consultant for the arts and philanthropy, I have worked with organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, CultureSource, the Smithsonian, and many more.
WORK
Principal
Koven J. Smith Consulting | 2013–present
My consulting practice focuses on helping funders make more impactful and intuitive arts+technology grants, and 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, The Watermill Center, CultureSource, and others.
Senior Director, Arts
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation | 2021–2025
I developed and managed an $80M portfolio of arts+technology grants to both individual artists and arts & culture organizations across 8 U.S. cities, and developed the Knight Digital Maturity Model to assess impact. I developed and directed the the Knight Art+Tech Expansion Fund, an $8M open call program for digital infrastructure. I developed Knight’s tech-forward arts funding framework, and helped redesign 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
I 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. In these roles, I also implemented collections and digital asset systems emphasizing Open Access, creating sustainable digital infrastructure that continues to support museums today.
BOARD SERVICE
American Composers Forum | 2020–present
Western Museums Association | 2019 - 2025
Museum Computer Network | 2010 - 2014
ConservationSpace | 2005 - 2010
TEACHING
Adjunct Faculty, Museum Studies
Johns Hopkins University | 2013–2019
Museum Technology Certificate Program
University College of London, Qatar | 2017
Adjunct Faculty, Arts Administration
New York University, Steinhardt School of Education | 2007 - 2010
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Music, Composition & Jazz Composition
Berklee College of Music | 1993
RECENT CLIENTS
- Amon Carter Museum of American Art
- Chicago Architecture Foundation
- Western Museums Association
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
- Wichita Art Museum
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Doris Duke Foundation
- Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona
- Denver Art Museum
- Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas
- John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
- CultureSource
- Smithsonian Institution
- Watermill Center
- Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
- Fotogalleriet