Catlin Whitington

Executive Director of ArtPrize

Catlin Whitington is an event and urban planning professional who has studied the relationship between the creative sector, public policy, and urban environments. Through this lens Catlin applies strategic planning in the execution and growth of global events and world-class venue management.

Whitington serves as the Executive Director of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, MI. In this role, Whitington has shepherded the organization’s leadership through transition into a public / private partnership. Supported by a team of professionals, and a Steering Committee of civic and business leaders, Whitington has driven the revival and reinvigoration of the ArtPrize mission as an annual event drawing over 700,000 people and generating over $54M in regional economic impact in its first year under his leadership.

He has served as an executive for the Long Center for the Performing Arts, as a Senior Planner with South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals, as Chair of the Austin Tourism Commission, and on the board of the Shoal Creek Conservancy. He has also served as an advisor for creative and cultural policy issues for various organizations and elected officials.