Chris Hansen, Executive Director for the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, is a seasoned arts and
entertainment industry professional and entrepreneur who brings more than 25 years of
experience producing and promoting events and developing and managing award-winning
venues and performers. As a veteran performer himself, he successfully parlays personal
experience to create expertly orchestrated events, dynamic venues, and artist centered
programs. From industry legends like Mick Fleetwood and Tony Bennett to up-and-coming
artists headlining their first show to world-class venues such as The Kranzberg Arts Center, The
Dark Room, Lola, the Marcelle, .ZACK, The Grandel, The Big Top, The High Low, 3333
Washington, and the Music the Intersection festival — Hansen has developed and managed
them all.
As Executive Director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, Hansen leads a staff of more than 50
associates and oversees operations of more than 700,000 square feet of space that is home to
five theaters. three live music venues, four galleries, several cafe and bar programs, dozens of
commercial suites, a 2500-capacity circus tent, five special event venues, and several co-op
office spaces for area nonprofits. Chris and team manage the development of more than 1500
events and serve more than 250,000 patrons annually. Hansen also serves as the Chairman of
the Board for the St. Louis Art Place Initiative, is a founding board member of the St. Louis Story
Stitchers, Board of Directors for the 2019 Grand Center CID, and was named the 2019 Arts
Innovator of the year by the Arts and Education Council of St. Louis.
OUR MISSION
Through the development of artistic venues, studios and workspaces, short and long-term residencies, and community-based programming, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation provides essential infrastructure for the arts to thrive in the St. Louis region.
Taking an arts-based approach to community development, the Foundation ensures we are aligning our investments with the needs and vision of the broader community. Committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive approach, we further economic development and cultural sustainability, while helping to establish St. Louis as a premier arts and entertainment destination.