For the past ten years, Andrea “Ray” Boyle has worked in the arts and event management both nationally and internationally. Her true passion is how art and culture movements help repair the bonds of individuals, communities and states in post-war countries, specifically those countries in “Clash of Civilizations,” conflict. Her time spent living in Croatia and Bosnia while completing her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Comparative Religious Studies, redirected her energies away from these institutions and toward the arts/culture based community-led initiatives that are often more effective.
From 2007-2009 Ray lived and worked in the arts of the Middle East. While teaching English, she laid the foundation for a community based art center in Syria focused on open-dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures through artistic expression. By working with local artists, activists, and politicians the planned space received critical attention and was prohibited from opening. Under the pressure of hostile government relations between the U.S. and Syria, she moved to Beirut where Contemporary Middle Eastern art is at its apex.
While in Lebanon, she quickly allied herself with a number of prominent artists and activists working on various issues in Beirut. Working with the influential gallery and publisher, Art Lounge, she authored the book, “Mood Swings II,” detailing the after-dark culture of Beirut from a critical design perspective.
Upon returning to the US in 2009, she immediately signed-on with Portland City Art as the Administrative Director where she produced art events with an average attendance of over 2,000 in addition to managing daily operations and an intensive programming calendar. Since July, 2011 she has served as the Development Coordinator at The Crucible, a non-profit industrial arts education center in Oakland, California, where she has secured institutional funding, increased member enrollment and retention, cultivated individual donors, and managed administrative development duties.
Her passion for integrated art experiences that build and bridge communities has led her into a side-career in logistical and creative support for West Coast art festivals. In addition to her day-job, she works on projects with Burning Man, Movement Play Microfestival, and What the Festival?! in capacities as varied as Art Direction to VIP services.
Throughout the years, she has held various positions within the non-profit sector, always focusing her attention on those that encourage dialogue, justice and activism through community participation.
Click HERE for her Resume
