Long Bio:
Miriam Conner is a dynamic force in the Austin community, with a career spanning over a decade of curating and organizing transformative art experiences. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, she has made Austin her home for the past 31 years. Her artistic journey took root at St. Stephens Episcopal High School, and she further honed her creative skills by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles (2008 - 2012).

After completing her studies, Miriam's dedication to the arts led her to manage Pine Street Station, an artist warehouse and gallery, refining her event planning skills (2012 - 2014). Her profound commitment to the arts is reflected in the numerous curated art shows she has overseen and her co-founding of Topology Art Warehouse (2016 - 2017).

Miriam's impact transcends individual projects. Her active involvement in prominent events like SXSW (2014 - 2015) and her collaboration with organizations such as Six Square – Austin’s Black Cultural District (2015 - 2017) highlight her ability to blend creativity with effective collaboration. Her journey culminated in the establishment of Creative Policy (2021 - Present), a firm lauded for its innovative approach to policy-making and cultural engagement. At the heart of her work is a mission to dismantle systemic barriers that have historically marginalized black and brown communities. By nurturing trust and fostering collaboration, Miriam transforms these barriers into pathways for progress within the cultural ecosystem.

Miriam's approach is grounded in education, consultation, and collaboration. She guides institutions and organizations to embrace community input and collaboration in infrastructure and place-making projects. Her strategies prioritize listening, learning, acknowledging, and implementing change through creative avenues. Collaborations with entities like the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Austin Parks Foundation, and Downtown Austin Alliance exemplify her dedication to forging collaborative solutions.

Miriam's artistic journey is enriched by diverse experiences. She honed her leadership and organizational skills during her years in the restaurant industry (2000 - 2008). At the California Institute of the Arts, she not only deepened her artistic abilities but also gained insights into event coordination, management, and marketing.

Beyond her multifaceted roles, Miriam is a steadfast advocate for equity and change. Her contributions on boards such as Preservation Austin (2020 - Present), Big Medium (2019 - Present), and Greater Austin Neighborhoods (2016 - Present), as well as her role as a commissioner on the City of Austin's African American Quality of Life Commission (2016 - 2020), underscore her commitment to community-driven progress.

In the wake of the catastrophic winter storm Uri in 2021, Miriam expanded her influence to disaster relief initiatives. Collaborating with diverse organizations, she has played a pivotal role in saving thousands of lives during times of crisis. This unwavering commitment reflects her determination to create a safer, more inclusive community.

Miriam Conner's journey stands as a testament to the power of art and community to effect positive change. Her passion, innovation, and strategic thinking have propelled her into a leadership role in Austin's cultural landscape. Through Creative Policy, artistic endeavors, disaster relief initiatives, and collaborative efforts, she continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and empowered community.

All Things Artistic.

Founder of Creative Policy.

Miriam Conner has curated and organized art and experiences for over a decade. She has been in Austin for 31 years by way of New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduating from St. Stephens Episcopal High School, she received a Bachelor of Fine Art in Photography from the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles. After college, Miriam came home to Austin and began managing the Pine Street Station (an Artist warehouse and gallery) for two years, and has since planned countless art shows, in addition to co-founding Topology Art Warehouse. She has also worked with SXSW, Art Outside, Forklift Danceworks, Six Square – Austin’s Black Cultural District, the City of Austin, and more.

She is the founder of Creative Policy, a firm recognized for its community-focused strategy that bridges policy-making and cultural engagement to achieve meaningful systems change. Additionally, she holds positions on the boards of Preservation Austin, Big Medium, and Greater Austin Neighborhoods, and she has previously served as a commissioner on the City of Austin's African American Quality of Life Commission.

“At the age of fifteen, I discovered what I want to do for the rest of my life. I know not many people are sure about what they want to do by the age of thirty much less by the age of fifteen, but I am very grateful to have found that particular passion that wakes me up in the morning and tucks me in at night. My life liberty and pursuit of happiness lies within art.”

She has been creating in the Austin Art community since 2008.