Improver

Ian Gerard

Arts & Entertainment Experiential Leader

Chicago, Illinois

Experienced leader who understands the power derived at the intersection of where arts & entertainment, consumers, and brands meet. Co-founded and helmed Gen Art, the game-changing national experiential organization, that showcased emerging talent in over 1,000 fashion, film, music & art events - and which built a new model for experiential brand partnerships. The company showcased hundreds of rising talents that went onto great fame including actors Jennifer Lawrence, Norman Reedus & Zoe Kravitz; designers Rebecca Taylor, Phillip Lim & Zac Posen; musical acts like MGMT; and visual artists like collab FAILE.

Over past 10 years, Ian has continued to create multi-faceted arts & entertainment partnership programs for brands, creators, and consumers - working with inspired entities including Fotografiska NY and the national Millennial membership organization, IVY. From all of this, Ian has built a deep understanding of Millennial & Gen X consumers and the successful building of communities tailored to their needs.

His latest endeavor is launching The Curio. This Community of the Cultural Curious will be served by permanent arts & entertainment hospitality venues providing Millennials with social and networking opportunties, unique arts & entertainment content, great hospitality, and an inspired community.

---

Experience:

• Co-Founder & CEO (Gen Art)
• Principal (Syndicate-5)
• VP, Brand Partnerships (Lead for Fotografiska NY) (CSM Sport & Entertainment)
• Chief Partnership Officer (IVY)
• Principal Cofounder (The Curio)

Skills: