INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINED CREATIVITY
Mentor
Mari Spirito
Executive Director, Curator, Protocinema
I am the executive director and curator of Protocinema, a trans-regional arts organization based in New York with international operations. Founded in 2011 Protocinema explores the shared human experiences that connect us supporting artists across diverse geographies and communities with a particular commitment to artists from SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) and Asian diasporas in the United States, after living in Istanbul for 14 years.
My experience spans founding and leading my own nonprofit arts organization across New York and Istanbul, including developing and directing the Protocinema Emerging Curator Series, a mentorship program I have led for the past 15 years. I have also supported artists as a director of commercial galleries, including 303 Gallery in New York, and since 2023 have taught AfterSchool Special, a hands-on master's-level professional practices course at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
I do my best work with artists at every stage of their careers, from undergraduate and master's students to mid-career, established, and senior artists. My approach is grounded in ingenuity, resourcefulness, and a genuine investment in helping others grow. I emphasize building authentic relationships that lead to practical opportunities, meaningful collaborations, and lasting impact.
CATEGORIES OF EXPERTISE:
International
Cross-Cultural Curating and Exhibition Development
Creating Exhibition Opportunities
How to Find & Work with Curators