Amy Steinhaus Kirwin most recently served as the Artistic Director of Southampton Art Center where she helped to establish the institution’s prominent role as a gathering place for the arts. As AD, she defined the artistic vision, brand and messaging with an emphasis on community engagement, diversity, and artist-led initiatives. She conceived, curated and produced the exhibitions and programs TAKEOVER: Artists-in-Residence, Unity Fest, Storefront Art initiative, and The Public Art Project co-organized with artist Eric Fischl. She has served on the Southampton Village Business Revitalization Committee since 2019 and is a founding member of Hamptons Arts Network.
Originally from Los Angeles, Amy has a degree in Theatre & Film from University of Kansas and completed two-years in the acting conservatory program at Circle in the Square Theatre School, New York. Early in her career, she managed the box offices for Forbidden Broadway and The New Victory Theater. She was ultimately part of the three-person team that opened and operated 59E59 Theaters, serving as Director of Sales and Membership and playing a key role in creating the identity of the institution that remains strong today. She later became Manager of Partnership Marketing at the Broadway League and Tony Awards, creating the Broadway Concierge program to manage high-level hospitality for corporate sponsors including Avis, Continental Airlines, NetJets, Sprint, Amtrak, Audemars Piguet, IMB, Chase, the NY Times and more.
After 15 years in NYC, Amy moved to the Hamptons and joined the staff at the Parrish Art Museum in 2010 in advance of opening the new Herzog & de Meuron facility in Water Mill. Amy established the Parrish’s Visitor Services department and served as Visitor Services and Programs Manager. She was named Artistic Director of Southampton Arts Center in May 2016 and has expanded their public offerings from 50 to over 200 annually, and from seasonal to year-round. She has worked with countless artists, performers, educators, business partners and patrons during this time, and designed a highly successful public relations and marketing message across media platforms. She joins Guild Hall as its first Chief Creative Officer as the institution celebrates nine decades of creative presentations.