Announcing new General Manager of Global Arts Live + The Platform
Global Arts Live has appointed Anna Kuwabara as General Manager of Global Arts Live + The Platform. Kuwabara's arrival marks a major milestone on the path to launching The Platform, the new performing arts center opening in Kendall Square next fall.
The Platform will host more than 400 public events annually across its three spaces: the 400-seat Takeda Theater, the 125-seat cabaret stage, and a flexible rehearsal studio—through a mix of Global Arts Live presentations and events presented by artists and nonprofit organizations through The Platform’s rental program. Working closely with Aronson, Chin, and Director of Production Joseph Futral, Kuwabara will help oversee the buildout of The Platform and Global Arts Live’s support of its operations.
A seasoned executive and consultant in the performing arts and education sectors, Kuwabara brings a deep commitment to community connection, diversity, equity, inclusion, and organizational development. "We're thrilled to welcome Anna," says CEO Connie C. Chin, says “Her depth of experience in venue management and her thoughtful, people‑centered leadership will be invaluable as we prepare for The Platform’s inaugural season. She brings both rigor and heart to this work—dotting all the I's and crossing all the T's to ensure a smooth launch."
As General Manager, Kuwabara will lead final planning for The Platform's launch while designing robust operational systems, policies, and workflows that will guide day-to-day activity. Kuwabara will serve as the primary laison with landlord property management and programming teams—ensuring a strong and collaborative relationship. She will also manage partnerships with artists, renters, service vendors, the internship organization Brighter Boston, and a wide range of nonprofit and community organizations. She will supervise a staff of approximately 13 across production and audience services, fostering a welcoming, celebratory environment for all who enter the space.
Kuwabara brings extensive experience in creating exceptional guest and artist experiences, with a strong orientation toward accessibility and human‑centered design. In alignment with The Platform’s founding intention to serve as a meaningful resource for local artists, nonprofits, and neighbors, she will collaborate with the Community Engagement team to distribute 25 free rentals annually through an equitable application process. She will also lead The Platform’s rental program, cultivating relationships with community partners, corporations, and event planners while coordinating a robust calendar of Global Arts Live and rental events.
“I’m honored to join Global Arts Live + The Platform at such a pivotal moment,” says Kuwabara. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to build a home that truly serves Greater Boston’s artists, audiences, families, and cultural communities. The Platform will be a vibrant addition to Kendall Square, and I’m excited to help bring it to life.”
From 2017 to 2024, Kuwabara served as Executive Director of the Albany Symphony, a Grammy-winning orchestra recognized for championing contemporary music and innovative community and education programs. During her tenure, she led major strategic initiatives, including the launch of the orchestra’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access) Task Force and strategic plan, as well as Convergence, a multi‑year collaboration connecting the orchestra with Black American artists, art forms, and perspectives.
Her earlier roles include VP for Orchestra Operations and Facilities at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO), Director of Operations for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Interim President and Executive VP of the Longy School of Music. As a consultant, Kuwabara supported the SLSO through the transformational renovation and expansion of Powell Hall. She has served on several civic and industry boards and was appointed to the City of Albany’s COVID Recovery Task Force.
Kuwabara also brings experience in career development from her work at Harvard Business School, where she facilitated coaching efforts and advised MBA students on career strategy and social enterprise pathways. Her passion for helping individuals align their strengths with purpose has been a consistent thread throughout her career.
She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Yale University and an M.B.A. from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. A proud alumna of the League of American Orchestras’ Orchestra Management Fellowship, she remains committed to supporting the next generation of leaders in the field.
