The Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) is thrilled to announce Jennifer Armetta as its new Executive Director. 

Over the past thirty years Armetta has been dedicated to supporting artists and expanding public access and communal engagement with their work. She founded her first gallery in Chicago in 1996, Jennifer Armetta Fine Art, with the goal of educating collectors and advocating for artists and helping to support their careers. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 2000, Armetta continued her work as an art advisor, educating clients on how to build meaningful collections through supporting emerging and mid-career artists. In 2004, after returning to Chicago, Armetta served as one of the founding members of the MCA Chicago’s acquisition board, Emerge, which is dedicated to bringing emerging artists into the museum’s permanent collection.

In 2020 she took on the role of Owner and Director of Aspect/Ratio Projects in Chicago, where she oversaw the evolution of its programming to include emerging and mid-career, interdisciplinary artists focused on painting, photography and sculpture. In fall of 2021 Aspect/Ratio Projects changed its name to ENGAGE Projects, highlighting Jennifer’s personal mission of engaging with artists, communities and patrons in order to make art and its community more accessible to everyone.

Though she has maintained a constant presence in the arts community, Armetta has also held a number of corporate positions as well, including a role as Director of Corporate Partnerships at Integrated Marketing International, a marketing firm focused on large scale events and civic endeavors throughout Chicago, as well as with House of Blues, Inc. and Disney. 

Armetta maintains deep and long-standing ties to the civic, fine arts and business communities in Chicago. She has held a seat on a number of boards and executive committees, including Emerge at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; The Founders Board at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago; the Chicago Artists Coalition; The Chicago History Museum Costume Council and Artists in Public Schools. 

“The Biennial looks forward to Jennifer Armetta’s contribution,” said Jack Guthman, Chair of the CAB Board of Directors. “We are fortunate to have the benefit of a person who has her wide range of experiences and accomplishments.”

As the Executive Director of CAB, Armetta will leverage her extensive and wide-ranging experience working in both the fine arts and corporate sectors as she spearheads fundraising and programming initiatives along with securing new corporate and public sponsorships. Each facet of her role will remain oriented towards both solidifying CAB’s international presence and expanding its impact on and contribution to the city of Chicago.

“The Chicago Architecture Biennial is one of the most important and vital organizations contributing to the culture, community, health and vitality of our wonderful city,” said Armetta. “We’re looking forward to highlighting the incredible architecture that exists across the city, showcasing exceptional global talent and bringing communities together around the arts.”

For press inquiries, please reach out to the team at ALMA.