ArtPower! at UC San Diego Names Jordan Peimer Executive Director

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The University of California, San Diego has selected Jordan Peimer to serve as executive director of ArtPower! effective Oct. 6, 2014, following a nationwide executive search. Focused on student engagement with the arts, ArtPower! has established a reputation over the last 10 years as a vibrant and innovative presenting arts organization that provides opportunities for students to connect with emerging and international performing artists. Peimer will lead the organization in building upon its music, dance and film series as well as developing new interactive programs for the campus and local community.

“This is an exciting time for ArtPower! and for the UC San Diego campus as a whole,” said Gary Ratcliff, assistant vice chancellor for Student Life. “Jordan’s appointment reflects the university’s value of the arts and of ArtPower! as a catalyst for student engagement and a beacon to showcase artistic expression in our region.”

Jordan Peimer, Photo courtesy of Skirball Cultural Center | Photo by Timothy Norris

Described as a “maître d of culture” by the Los Angeles Times, Peimer has extensive experience developing arts programs and curating performances in Southern California. Currently the vice president and director of public programs at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, his work has focused on finding connections between the Skirball’s mission and the diverse communities of Los Angeles. To that end, he developed the popular Sunset Concert series featuring leading global musicians as well as new series and festivals such as Viva!, an ongoing exploration of the intersection of Latin and Jewish life, and Zeitgeist, a festival exploring Jewish life in the new Europe.

“I am very excited to be joining ArtPower!, UC San Diego and the San Diego community,” Peimer said. “My conversations with the students, faculty, staff and community supporters have been truly inspiring. There is a deep sense of cultural enrichment and stewardship in what has been achieved in the past at ArtPower!, while at the same time a curiosity and eagerness to look at new possibilities to deepen our reach and have a significant cultural impact in our community.”

In addition to his work with the Skirball Cultural Center, Peimer has curated performances as the co-artistic director of Santa Monica’s Highway Performance Space, consulted for the J. Paul Getty Museum and coordinated the Los Angeles-based dance festival DanceWest. Now, Peimer says he is looking forward to working in a university environment.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jordan to UC San Diego,” said Susan Narucki, professor of music at UC San Diego. “He has been an important voice in the Southern California cultural scene for decades and is committed to the transformative power of the arts. Jordan will engage students, faculty and community alike in a fascinating conversation about all that the arts can be—and I certainly look forward to working with him.”

ArtPower!’s 2014-2015 season begins Oct. 15 with a performance by Tri Minh’s Quartet. For more information about ArtPower! and upcoming events, visit artpower.ucsd.edu.