Munch and Learn | Art for All: The Arts and Creative Economy in Our Community

Art for All: The Arts and Creative Economy in Our Community

Nykesha Cole, Manager of Cultural Investment & Partnerships, City of Memphis, Office of Creative & Cultural Economy

Nykesha Cole is seasoned professional in the nonprofit and government sectors recently appointed by Mayor Paul A. Young as Manager of Cultural Investment and Partnerships in the City of Memphis Office of Creative and Cultural Economy (OCCE) under Director DeMarcus Suggs. In this role, she will continue to support the creative sector that encompasses creatives, arts organizations, and creative economic-centered industries.

Prior to coming to OCCE, Nykesha served as the first-ever arts and culture liaison for Shelby County Government in from July 2022 to March 2026. In this role, she was responsible for fostering relationships with local arts and cultural organizations and county government, while working with the sector and community partners to create initiatives focused on uplifting arts and culture awareness and access for all residents and visitors to Shelby County.

Cole has experience in the nonprofit sector, working with organizations such as Mustard Seed Inc., One Step Initiative, in programming and administrative roles in addition to previous roles with the Memphis Shelby County Division of Planning and Development, Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. House of Representatives.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Southern Methodist University and an executive master’s degree in public service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. She has extensive volunteer experience with arts organizations and is enthusiastic about their importance to all residents in the City of Memphis.

Wednesdays can be especially busy at Park and Cherry. If you're attending Munch and Learn, please plan ahead and place your lunch orders early. To reduce disruptions during the lecture, guests are asked to bring their own food from the cafe to the auditorium. You may request to-go containers to make the trip to your seat easier.

▶ Pre-order by calling (901) 312-1277.

MUNCH AND LEARN IS ENDOWED BY THE LANDAU FAMILY IN MEMORY OF LESLIE MANN LANDAU

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