Kenyon Adams

Creative leader with over fifteen years of experience developing brand identity, cultural partnerships, and narrative-driven creative strategy across hospitality, arts institutions, and global cultural organizations. Known for translating artistic vision and cultural insight into compelling brand worlds, experiential storytelling, and creative collaborations that elevate brand identity and audience engagement. Works at the intersection of culture, luxury lifestyle, and narrative design—bridging artists, designers, institutions, and audiences through original creative direction and strategic partnerships.

Head of Brand at Grey Spaces Hospitality & Lifestyle (2023-01 – Present)

Lead brand identity and creative strategy for Grey Spaces, a nationally recognized hospitality and cultural brand anchored by the acclaimed restaurant The Grey Savannah and its international expansion in Paris. Direct the creative vision across brand storytelling, experiential programming, public presence, and cultural partnerships.

• Lead brand identity development and narrative positioning across hospitality, retail, and digital platforms
• Conceive and direct creative activations, collaborations, and cultural partnerships
• Guide editorial storytelling and content strategy across communications and public engagement
• Represent the brand publicly at major events, cultural conversations, and media engagements
• Collaborate with designers, artists, and creative teams to expand the brand's cultural presence

Director of Public Programs at Blanton Museum of Art, University of Texas at Austin (2022-01 – 2023-12)

Directed the creative vision and strategic development of the museum's public programming platform, positioning the Blanton as a nationally recognized cultural space for dialogue, performance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Responsibilities included shaping narrative-driven programming, building cultural partnerships, and creating experiences that connect contemporary audiences with art, culture, and public discourse.

• Developed large-scale public programs integrating visual art, performance, and cultural storytelling
• Built partnerships with artists, cultural leaders, and institutions
• Directed the creative narrative of public programming seasons
• Managed production teams and external collaborators for complex public events
• Positioned the museum as a welcoming platform for new and diverse audiences

Arts Initiative Creative Director at Grace Farms Foundation (2019-01 – 2021-12)

Led the creative direction of the Arts Initiative at Grace Farms Foundation within the SANAA-designed River Building, developing interdisciplinary artistic collaborations and cultural programming at the intersection of visual art, literature, performance, and public dialogue.

• Conceived and directed large-scale artistic projects and collaborations
• Developed partnerships with internationally recognized artists and cultural leaders
• Built a creative program integrating art, architecture, storytelling, and civic dialogue
• Oversaw programming teams and production staff across multiple creative projects
• Directed artistic commissions, performances, and public experiences

Director at Louis Armstrong House Museum & Archives, Queens College (2019-01 – 2019-12)

Led strategic programming and cultural development initiatives supporting the expansion of the museum's new cultural center and public programming platform.

• Developed new audience engagement strategies and cultural programming initiatives
• Directed creative strategy supporting institutional repositioning and expansion
• Cultivated partnerships with artists, cultural organizations, and philanthropic supporters
• Oversaw exhibition programming, public events, and institutional collaborations

Arts Initiative Director at Grace Farms Foundation (2015-01 – 2018-12)

Founding director responsible for launching the foundation's interdisciplinary arts initiative, bringing together artists from multiple disciplines to develop collaborative works and cultural programming.

• Presented 160 artists across visual, literary, and performing arts disciplines
• Directed major artistic commissions and interdisciplinary collaborations
• Built national partnerships with artists, institutions, and cultural organizations
• Developed strategic vision for arts programming at a new international cultural center

Artist in Residence at Yale University (2015-01 – 2016-12)

Developed collaborative artistic research and interdisciplinary performance projects exploring empathy, narrative, and collective experience. Projects included public performances, collaborative works with major artists, and nationally presented performance initiatives.

Master of Arts in Religion – Yale University

Certificate in Religion & Literature – Yale Institute of Sacred Music

Bachelor of Fine Arts – Southern Methodist University