School of Art + Art History alumna Nicole Cromartie has been recognized as one of this year’s 40 Gators Under 40 awardees. As the Director of Education and Programs at the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, Colorado, Cromartie oversees the education department and the diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion efforts at the museum.
Driven by her personal mission to increase the inclusivity, accessibility and meaningfulness of experiences with the arts, Cromartie has spearheaded innovative programming for families, such as infant and toddler programs, as well as movement-based gallery tours and multisensory experiences for visitors with disabilities.
“In every role that I have had, my goal is to help make collections meaningful and accessible for audiences,” she said. “I want people from all different backgrounds and levels of experience with art to feel that the museum is a place for them.”
While earning her bachelor’s degree in art history at the University of Florida, Cromartie pursued numerous internships and leadership roles within the arts to put her education into action.
“While in undergrad at UF, I was grateful for internships at the Harn Museum of Art, the Matheson History Museum, and in the city's public art program,” she said. “I also oversaw Gainesville's downtown Art Walk. Each of these experiences helped me hone in on what kind of museum work I wanted to do.”
Cromartie’s role as a museum educator goes beyond the Clyfford Still Museum. She also co-chairs a quality arts committee for the Colorado Association for the Education of Young Children and serves as an advisory committee member for the Boulder Valley School District. In line with her personal mission, she is also penning a book called “Evaluating Early Learning in Museums: Planning for Our Youngest Visitors” to be published by Routledge, the world’s leading academic publisher for humanities and social sciences.
Cromartie, along with the year’s 40 Gators Under 40 cohort, will be recognized on April 17 and 18 during the Orange & Blue weekend festivities. Organized by the University of Florida Alumni Association, 40 Gators Under 40 honors outstanding alumni, all under the age of 40, who have made a significant impact on their industry or field.
To learn more about Cromartie’s mission to make museums a place for everyone, read our Q & A with her here.
