Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Bauer-lyons
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always believed in the transformative power of the arts. My journey began as a creative who was passionate about storytelling, whether on stage or behind the scenes. Early on, I realized I wanted to create not just performances but also opportunities — for artists, audiences, and communities to connect. I found my way into arts leadership, driven by a desire to build platforms that uplift others.
As an artist, you also have to be an entrepreneur. My journey to leadership was a desire to make the journey for artists a little easier by providing opportunities for their work to be produced. When I worked for Lyric Opera of Chicago, I had a great mentor and she showed me how to balance my art while serving in a leadership role.
Now, as the executive director of South Fulton Arts, it feels like I’ve come full circle — combining my creative roots with a longtime commitment to community impact.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t call it smooth, but the challenges definitely have shaped me. One of the biggest hurdles was learning to balance the creative side of my work with the administrative side — it’s a different kind of problem-solving, but equally rewarding.
I believe the arts feed our souls. Fundraising, especially in Georgia, is extremely challenging and trying to solve that major piece of the puzzle takes both creative and strategic thinking! What’s kept me going is knowing that the arts aren’t just entertainment; they’re a lifeline for many people.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At my core, I’m a storyteller and a builder. Whether directing a play or creating sustainable arts programming, I specialize in bringing visions to life. I think what sets me apart is my dual perspective: I’ve lived the artist’s journey and walked the administrator’s path.
When I was the managing producer at Horizon Theatre Company, I founded the Apprentice Company. The purpose of the Apprentice Company was to help recent college graduates bridge the gap between higher education theatre and the professional world. I had a company of playwrights and actors (occasionally a stage manager) who worked alongside professionals, as well as together, creating and learning. It is this spirit of giving back that was the inspiration for South Fulton Arts.
What makes me proud is seeing how our work at South Fulton Arts has become a catalyst for creativity and community in the area.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
People. At the end of the day, the arts are about connecting people — bridging gaps, inspiring empathy, and sparking joy. What matters most to me is creating spaces where everyone feels they belong, whether it’s an artist sharing their craft or audience members taking in their first arts experience.
Not too long ago, we produced a staged reading of “Clyde’s” by Lynn Nottage. At the end of the performance, we hosted a community talk-back about the themes of the play led by a professional facilitator. After a robust discussion, as the audience was leaving, a man in his late 70s came to speak with me. He shared it was the first play he had ever been to — he had never had the opportunity to attend a play when he was younger. He loved it and wanted to know when he could see another one! The power of the arts is transformative — many times in ways we cannot measure. People are what makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southfultonarts.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southfultonarts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sfultoninstitute/
