Ann Filmer | RAC’s Executive Director

The Riverside Arts Center proudly announces the appointment of Ann Filmer as our new Executive Director!

With 30 years of experience leading nonprofit arts organizations, Filmer brings experienced guidance to the Riverside Arts Center as we move into our fourth decade of programming.

Ann was the founder and Artistic Director of 16th Street, a professional, award-winning theater dedicated to telling the stories of all in its community, serving residents of Berwyn and beyond. 6,000 audience members annually attended this intimate 60-seat theater, enjoying new and engaging plays followed by meaningful post-show dialogues.

Under her leadership, 16th Street was twice awarded the prestigious National Theatre Grant from The American Theatre Wing. Over her 14-year tenure, Filmer created co-producing partnerships with Teatro Luna, Teatro Vista, Victory Gardens, Jedlicka, Lewis University, Tellin’ Tales, Goodman and Steppenwolf, including Filmer’s adaptation and direction of Tony Fitzpatrick’s This Train and Nickel History. Creating relationships with The Lark in New York and the National New Play Network, Filmer brought rolling world premieres to Berwyn, including Andrea Thome’s Pinkolandia, Karen Zacarias’ Into the Beautiful North, adapted from Luis Alberto Urrea’s novel Maya Malan-Gonzalez’ A Xmas Cuento Remix, and Audrey Cefaly’s Alabaster.

Led by Filmer's financial stewardship and fundraising, 16th Street provided space and resources for Illinois writers to develop and present their new plays, including writers such as Rohina Malik (Unveiled and Yasmina’s Necklace), Aline Lathrop (Merchild and The Hero’s Wife) EM Lewis (The Gun Show), Loy Webb (His Shadow), and Natalie Y. Moore (The Billboard).

Prior to 16th Street, Filmer was the Producing Director of Chicago Dramatists, founder and producer of Estrogen Fest and The Aardvark, a Michael Maggio Directing Fellow at Goodman Theatre, as well as Associate Artistic Director of Writers’ Theatre. Ann looks forward to leading the Riverside Arts Center through its next growth stage.

Please join us in welcoming Ann to our community! Our new Executive Director will be at the Riverside Holiday Stroll this Friday, December 6th, and RAC’s exhibition openings this Sunday from 3-6pm. Please swing by for some art, light refreshments, and cheer to meet Ann and celebrate RAC!

We are incredibly grateful for Ann’s commitment to RAC’s mission and are so excited about the leadership and vision she brings.

Welcome Ann!
The Riverside Arts Center Board of Directors