John Carnwath

Background

About John Carnwath

I am a researcher and consultant with a deep passion for understanding, engaging, and supporting creative communities. With 10+ years of experience consulting for nonprofits, private foundations, and government agencies, my work focuses on ecosystems that support creatives, cultural policy, and impact. Whether informing a regional strategy for the Bay Area’s film and media sector (BAVC Media, San Francisco), researching ecologies of artist support (Kenneth Rainin Foundation, Oakland), distilling lessons learned from investing in cultural real estate (Community Arts Stabilization Trust, San Francisco), or comparing the cultural infrastructure of communities across California for the state arts council, my approach is always to bring perspectives from across the community together, listen deeply, and learn what ambitions and resources are fueling the community. That level of insight is critical to organizations that are seeking to serve local communities and build loyalty. Engagement and ticket purchases are driven by identity, the social experience, and sense of belonging, just as much as by the product or event.