New President in Landmark Year

Space 4 Art is proud to announce that Emily Knapp has been elected as President of the Board, effective immediately. Emily’s election kicks off a landmark year for the organization as it celebrates 15 years of supporting local artists, Open Studios, arts education programs, and more. 

S4A’s new Board President, Emily Knapp.

Knapp succeeds Board President and Space 4 Art Co-Founder Robert S. Leathers, a celebrated architect and award-winning fiber-arts practitioner. Leathers will remain an active Board Member.

“Since its founding 15 years ago, Space 4 Art has remained deeply committed to realizing a community-designed solution for affordable artist live, work, education, and engagement space in San Diego. I look forward to continuing to champion the organization's mission, building on the incredible legacy of my predecessor, Bob Leathers, and helping to scale our efforts and impact.”

 In addition to her role as Space 4 Art Board President, Knapp is Chief of Staff of the Berggruen Institute, a global think tank with centers in Los Angeles, Venice, and Beijing that forges new conceptual frameworks to meet the challenges, and harness the opportunities, of the arriving future. 

Left to Right: President Emily Knapp with staff members Suchita Jariwala, Michelle Hoyt, and Executive Director Jennifer de Poyen.

Prior to joining the Berggruen Institute, Emily worked with the UC San Diego Design Lab, where she helped lead an interdisciplinary group of binational designers through the shortlist phase of the World Design Capital (WDC) 2024 qualifying process, clinching the win for the region.

Emily’s work with the World Design Capital will continue on behalf of Space 4 Art as the organization spearheads one of only 12 Arts and Culture Impact projects, titled “Co-Creating A Community-Based Arts Center.”

Please click here for the full press release.