Lynne Ombati is an arts administrator with an MA in Arts Administration from Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She holds a Bachelor’s in Music from Kabarak University, Kenya.
Lynne worked as a graduate assistant for Indiana University’s Arts Administration Programs, a marketing associate at the League of American Orchestras, and a fundraising intern at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. She also co-founded and facilitated the “Decoding Arts Administration” webinar series for professionals in the United States and Kenya, and the inaugural Honors Concert for Kabarak University. She was a co-author to Wolf Trap’s article on their artist residency in Kenya in collaboration with Kenya Connect, and completed Tessitura’s training cohort in memberships and analytics. She is passionate about improving access to artistic experiences and broadening representation in arts administration conversations and practice.
She is excited to contribute to AMS’s mission in her returning role as the Lynette A. Turner Pathways to Consulting Fellow.
What drew you to the arts?
Music and the arts as a whole have been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember.
What drew you to Arts Administration?
My passion for arts administration began during my bachelor’s music program in Kenya. I discovered that I was just as passionate about the work happening behind the scenes—helping arts organizations plan and coordinate their projects to successfully bring art to their audiences.
What is your focus within Arts Administration?
Given my experiences in Kenya and the United States, my focus is on cross-cultural exchange. I am passionate about exploring how arts administration practice in the U.S. and Kenya can be applicable in different global contexts.
How do you incorporate EDIA into your work life?
In my work life, EDIA in the arts means equitable access to artistic experiences and diverse representation in arts administration conversations and practice.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I’m reteaching myself piano — more ear training and improvisation rather than sheet music — alongside long walks and reading books by Kenyan authors (currently reading Jackson Biko’s “Let Me Call You Back”).
