Stanford University Appoints New Director of Stanford Live

An arts administrator, curator, and producer, Iris Nemani will step into the role in April 2024

Stanford Live, the chief presenter of the performing arts at Stanford University, has recently appointed Iris Nemani as its new Director.

Bringing more than 30 years' worth of high-level arts administration and curation experience, Nemani will step into the role on April 1, 2024.

Most recently, Nemani has been the Chief Programming Officer for Toronto's Harbourfront Centre, the city's host for contemporary art, culture, and ideas. During her time there, Nemani has spearheaded several new initiatives, including an international contemporary dance series and an international children’s festival.

She has also held positions as the director of operations for Dancap Productions, general manager of the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, and company manager for Live Entertainment Corporation of Canada’s productions of Ragtime (Los Angeles and Vancouver), Showboat (Toronto and National Tour), and Phantom of the Opera (Toronto).

Nemani holds a bachelor of applied arts in interior design from Toronto Metropolitan University.

"Iris is going to bring a remarkable breadth of experience and creative thinking to Stanford Live that will serve our audiences in so many ways," said Deborah Cullinan, Stanford's vice president for the arts. "Her understanding of how arts organizations can be the center of community life makes her a perfect fit for Stanford Live and the university."

"I am delighted to join the Stanford Live team to bring innovative, artistic experiences to Stanford and the surrounding Bay Area communities," Nemani said. "I look forward to exploring the opportunities that the Stanford academic environment might afford artists, inviting them into this learning environment, and working with Stanford’s community of students, faculty, staff, and Stanford Live’s advisory council."