The AEMM department is happy to announce that Michael Orlove, who graduated from our Masters program in 1998, has recently been appointed Director of Presenting and Artist Communities for the NEA. In that role, Orlove “will be responsible for managing all stages of the grant-making process, including convening the panels that review applications and serving as the spokesperson for his field at the federal level,” according to an announcement from the NEA.

Michael served at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs since the summer of 1992. Along the way, Orlove was a leader in creating musical series that have become institutions in Chicago, including the World Music Festival and Chicago SummerDance. In addition, Orlove helped program the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, including its popular “Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz” series, curated in conjunction with the non-profit Jazz Institute of Chicago. He has long been one of Chicago’s most admired and effective music programmers.

“Mike Orlove is a dynamic cultural leader in a city known for an impressive roster of public art events and festivals,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman in a statement. “From Chicago SummerDance to the year-round schedule of events at the Chicago Cultural Center, Michael has been at the helm making sure that art happens successfully. We are thrilled to have him join the NEA and to help make art work across the country.”

Listen to to Michael’s WBEZ Exit Interview online.