Quad City Arts did not have to search far to find a new leader – selecting Brian Allen from a cross-river organization to join on as the arts advocacy group’s new executive director. The Rock Island-based Quad City Arts announced on its social media platforms Monday, March 17, that Mr. Allen will be its new […]
Already a subscriber? Log in
Want to Read More?
Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
- Unparalleled business coverage of the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids corridor.
- Immediate access to subscriber-only content on our website.
- 52 issues per year delivered digitally, in print or both.
- Support locally owned and operated journalism.
Quad City Arts did not have to search far to find a new leader – selecting Brian Allen from a cross-river organization to join on as the arts advocacy group’s new executive director.
The Rock Island-based Quad City Arts announced on its social media platforms Monday, March 17, that Mr. Allen will be its new leader. He has been the executive director of the German American Heritage Center in downtown Davenport.
Mr. Allen will replace Kevin Maynard, who announced his departure in October from Quad City Arts to take a new position at Florida State University as executive director of the Opening Nights group at the university. Kady Derbyshire has been serving as interim director.
Mr. Allen brings experience in arts administration, cultural programming, and community engagement to his new role at Quad City Arts.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brian Allen to Quad City Arts,” Nate Augustine, Quad City Arts’ board chair, said in a blog post on Quad City Arts’ website. “His passion for the arts, deep commitment to community collaboration, and leadership make him the ideal choice to guide our organization into its next chapter.”
According to Quad City Arts, Mr. Allen has a strong background in cultural programming and nonprofit management, having successfully led initiatives that celebrate heritage, arts, and education. At the German American Heritage Center and Museum, he launched innovative programs and exhibitions designed for children and families, expanded audience engagement, and forged impactful partnerships throughout the Quad Cities. He is credited with helping grow that organization’s reach and deepen its connection to the community.
Previously, Mr. Allen managed the Figge Art Museum’s Studio School and education galleries. He successfully led the merger of the studio program with the Bereskin Academy, streamlining arts education opportunities for local students. He also curated community-driven exhibitions in collaboration with area school districts, colleges, and organizations, which reinforced the Davenport museum’s role as a creative learning hub.
“I am honored to guide Quad City Arts into its next chapter, where creativity and purpose collide to create a vibrant future,” Mr. Allen said in the announcement by Quad City Arts. “The arts have played a vital role in my career, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to foster new opportunities for artists. I look forward to working with the talented team at Quad City Arts to continue making an impact in the Quad Cities region.”
Throughout his career, Mr. Allen has championed relevance – ensuring that art and cultural experiences are accessible, engaging, and meaningful to people from all walks of life, Quad City Arts said.
A passionate advocate for community engagement, his long-standing commitment to service includes serving as a former AmeriCorps member (2008), as a local Cub Scout committee volunteer and his current services on the boards of Arts Basics and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Quad Cities Chapter.
Mr. Allen holds an M.A. in museum studies from Western Illinois University (2013) and a BFA in painting and drawing from Illinois State University (2008). His studies in San Francisco and Tokyo have broadened his global perspective, influencing his approach to arts enrichment. A leader in his field, he has presented at national and regional conferences, including the Association of Midwest Museums (2025 and 2018) and the National Art Education Association (2021).
Mr. Allen was also named one of the QCBJ's Class of 2024 Forty under 40.
As Quad City Arts new leader, Mr. Allen will oversee the organization’s programs, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives. The change in leadership comes at an exciting time as the organization continues to grow its offerings, including public art projects, programming, and signature events such as Festival of Trees.
