Mohannad Ghawanmeh. (Courtesy of Public Art St. Paul)

The Public Art St. Paul Board of Directors announced on March 28 that Mohannad Ghawanmeh was named their next president and executive director. Ghawanmeh previously worked as co-founder of the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival, director of the inaugural Minneapolis St. Paul Italian Film Festival, a filmmaker, board member of Mizna and as a faculty member at Dunwoody Institute of Technology.

Born to Palestinian parents, Gahwanmeh moved to Minnesota a week after his 17th birthday to attend Minnesota State University-Mankato, where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mohammed to PASP. He brings enthusiasm, experience, and new energy to the organization as we create the next innovative chapter of Public Art Saint Paul,” said Anna Schlesinger, Board Chair of PASP, in a statement.

PASP aims to work with the city of St. Paul to create a more just and sustainable city through shaping public spaces, improving city systems and deepening civic engagement. Since it was founded 37 years ago, they have commissioned public art projects such as Sidewalk Poetry, Minnesota Rocks, Western Sculpture Park and CREATE: The Community Meal.

Ghawanmeh has previous experiences in leadership roles within various arts organizations, such as the executive director of Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, a Philadelphia-based Arab arts organization. During his time at the University of California Los Angeles, Ghawanmeh earned his doctorate in Cinema and Media studies, and led a film event program called Melnitz Movies.

Colleen Sheehy, current president and CEO of the organization, will retire after nine years in the role.

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