Quad Citizen to Know: Brian Allen, New Head of Quad City Arts
By Jonathan Turner
One of the nicest and most caring guys I know is now head of one of the QC’s most important cultural organizations.
After just 26 months serving as executive director of Davenport’s German American Heritage Center & Museum, Brian Allen was tapped to become the new boss at Quad City Arts, succeeding Kevin Maynard, on April 1.
Allen became chief at the four-story GAHC (the corner of 2nd and Gaines streets, Davenport) in January 2023, succeeding Kelly Lao, who in late October 2022 became the second vice president of museum experiences at the Putnam Museum & Science Center, Davenport.
Brian Allen, former executive director of Davenport's German American Heritage Center & Museum, is the new head of Quad City Arts.
Allen has a strong background in cultural programming and nonprofit management, having successfully led initiatives that celebrate heritage, arts, and education. Most recently, as head of the GAHC, he launched innovative programs and exhibitions designed for children and families, expanded audience engagement, and forged impactful partnerships throughout the region.
This week, Allen said his proudest accomplishment was creating an interactive space for kids as part of the permanent exhibition. This involved securing financial support from the community, including individuals and foundations as well as working the amazing staff at the museum to create the fun content that Edwards Creative brought to life.
Allen said his favorite GAHC exhibition was the current photography show he worked with the Jewish Federation to bring to the Quad Cities, called With You, I Am Myself. The photography, by Oranit Ben Zimra, focuses on friendship, “which is such a positive and moving theme that I think we could all use a little more of right now,” he said.
The GAHC hosted a “Kaffee und Kuchen” program in March featuring talented musicians Lily Arbisser and Dimitri Malignan. The song selections were inspired by Oranit Ben Zimra’s photography exhibition “With You, I Am Myself,” was on view through April 6th, 2025.
In that fourth-floor exhibit, Israeli artist and photographer Oranit Ben Zimra portrays 24 pairs of friends in words and pictures. This collection of large-scale photos form a mosaic of German-Israeli friendships. The story of each friendship is told in a sensitive and touching way.
Previously, at the Figge Art Museum, Allen managed the Studio School and education galleries, where he led the merger of the studio program with the Bereskin Academy, streamlining arts education opportunities for local students. He also curated community-driven exhibitions in collaboration with area school districts, colleges, and organizations, reinforcing the museum’s role as a hub for creative learning.
“I am honored to guide Quad City Arts into its next chapter, where creativity and purpose collide to create a vibrant future,” Allen said upon being named head of QC Arts, which serves a six-county area in western Illinois and eastern Iowa. “The arts have played a vital role in my career, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to foster new opportunities for artists. I look forward to working with the talented team at Quad City Arts to continue making an impact in the Quad Cities region.”
Throughout his career, Allen has championed relevance—ensuring that art and cultural experiences are accessible, engaging, and meaningful to people from all walks of life. He looks forward to leading an organization that not only embraces relevance but also integrates art into the very fabric of the community, the nonprofit’s announcement said.
A passionate advocate for community engagement, Allen has a longstanding commitment to service. A former AmeriCorps member (2008), he currently serves on the boards of Arts Basics and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Quad Cities Chapter) and volunteers with his local Cub Scout committee.
Brian, 39, holds an MA in Museum Studies from Western Illinois University (2013) and a BFA in Painting and Drawing from Illinois State University (2008). His studies in San Francisco and Tokyo have broadened his global perspective, influencing his approach to arts enrichment.
As QC Arts executive director, Allen will oversee the organization’s programs, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives, ensuring that Quad City Arts remains a hub for creativity and cultural enrichment. His leadership comes at an exciting time as the organization continues to grow its offerings, including public art projects, programming, and signature events such as Festival of Trees.
The impact of Quad City Arts (which serves a six-county region) in 2024.
A new downtown Bettendorf public mural that QC Arts is coordinating should be ready by July 4th.
“I am so excited to work with the phenomenal staff at QC Arts to create more opportunities for area artists and continue our great work in placemaking and getting visiting artists out to area schools,” Allen said April 2.
Like many local and national arts leaders, he is concerned about the federal government’s cost-cutting spree and potential reductions of arts funding on the state and federal levels.
“It is a matter of time until it impacts all nonprofits, the arts and cultural organizations in our community are holding strong together,” Allen said. “As of now, I am concerned for partner organizations that I have worked with here and at previous positions that focus on human needs and rely on federal funding to exist and serve our community.”
GAHC is now looking for Allen's replacement. All those interested should send a cover letter, resume, and references to: [email protected] with position title as subject.
Review of applications begins immediately; for full consideration, submit your application by May 1, 2025.
The GAHC (2nd and Gaines in Davenport) will host the Eiermarkt Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, April 12th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where you can shop a variety of vendors for unique gifts, baked goods, art, and more—including these special pysanky eggs.
Jonathan Turner is a veteran journalist and piano player, who has made the QC home since 1995 and loves writing about arts and culture. He is the author of the books “A Brief History of Bucktown: Davenport's Infamous District Transformed,” and “100 Things To Do in the Quad Cities Before You Die”.