Aiyana Cunningham

Managing Director

Aiyana Cunningham (she/her/them) Aiyana Cunningham is a strategic arts leader driven by the transformative power of our collective stories. Over the past 15 years she has been an activator and connector in Portland’s theater community, holding leadership and staff positions at organizations driving change and producing innovative work including Profile Theatre, Portland Center Stage, and The Red Door Project. Aiyana will be leaving her position as Development Director at Portland Playhouse. Through this work she has acquired significant connections within the local cultural ecology, and gained strong knowledge of operational excellence and funding resources. She has built a network of healthy relationships with artists, community partners, significant donors, and our most engaged audience members — all of which she is thrilled to continue stewarding in her new role as Artists Repertory Theatre’s Managing Director. Aiyana is excited to join a talented team that is dedicated to delivering ART’s mission and values. She’s honored to support the creative vision of Artistic Director Jeanette Harrison, and to work alongside Jeanette to lead a thriving company. Aiyana will also work closely with J.S. May in completing the RISE Capital Campaign, funding the renovation and return to ART’s home theater on SW Morrison. She looks forward to working with the many people invested in ART’s bright future as the company expands its presence as a cultural anchor that produces provocative work with an unparalleled commitment to creative incubation.