Kevin Giglinto’s entrepreneurial story begins with his experiences at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO). Here, he honed his skills in strategy and audience development, ultimately rising to the role of vice president for strategy and special initiatives. His career led him to positions with the Tessitura Network and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.
“The process of making music is one of the most fulfilling things in life and collaborating with other musicians is always inspiring and rewarding,” said Giglinto.
His journey to becoming the president and chief executive officer of the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is a testament to his exceptional leadership, strategic vision, passion for the arts, and influential presence in the non-profit arts industry, said his staff. Within his first year, he has achieved a 32% increase in venue attendance, showcasing his ability to attract and retain audiences.
MPAC acts as an energizing force that connects our community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement and the transformative power of live performing arts.
A strong believer in and supporter of the importance of diverse programming and making connections, Giglinto was instrumental in creating MPAC’s latest performance line-up, the Culture Collective, designed to celebrate and elevate the contributions of artists of color across a spectrum of artistic disciplines. And, he has invested in tools to enhance MPAC’s digital reach, ensuring the organization remains top of mind in an increasingly digital world.
In his role, Giglinto is also guiding the strategic vision for MPAC, which includes a reimagined 5-year business model focused on sustainability and growth. This includes a projected 30% increase in overall revenue and an 85% increase in fundraising through expanded programming, aggressive community outreach and improved operational efficiencies.
Giglinto is committed to mentoring the next generation of arts professionals. He launched a new internship program at MPAC, providing young people with opportunities to explore careers in the arts. Giglinto is also involved with the Milwaukee Rotary Club and Greater Milwaukee Committee and served as a business development volunteer for the U.S. Peace Corps in Romania. In addition, he was recently named an inaugural member of the notable leaders in arts and entertainment by BizTimes Milwaukee.
“Kevin Giglinto’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by his ability to innovate, lead and engage diverse audiences,” said his colleagues. “His strategic vision and passion for the arts have positioned him as a transformative leader, guiding the Marcus Performing Arts Center to new heights and successfully advancing the organization’s mission and strategic goals.”
