The Folger Shakespeare Library (the Folger) has named David Kilpatrick as the new Director of Learning and Education Programs, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on his leadership appointment. He will begin his tenure on October 14, 2025.
The Folger Shakespeare Library makes Shakespeare’s stories and the world in which he lived accessible. Anchored by the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, the Folger is a cultural organization where curiosity and creativity are embraced, and conversation is always encouraged. Visitors to the Folger can choose how they want to experience the arts and humanities, from interactive exhibitions to captivating performances, and from path-breaking research to transformative educational programming. The Folger welcomes everyone to connect in their own way—from communities throughout Washington, DC, to communities across the globe.
Kilpatrick will oversee the Folger’s many educational resources and lead new efforts to enable teachers, young people, and the broader public to put Shakespeare and the humanities to use in addressing contemporary challenges. Kilpatrick will also guide the strategic development and implementation of educational programming to support local, national, and virtual audiences and partner with senior directors at the Folger on expanding public programming offerings.
“We want to teach young people about the tools within Shakespeare’s works that can be vital to them in their lives today,” said the Folger Director Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper. “David brings a wealth of expertise in implementing and scaling educational and public programs from his time at the Kennedy Center that will be essential as we chart the Folger’s new creative and programmatic course for the next five to seven years. With David, we can build on the foundation of our existing educational and family programming and create greater opportunities for teachers, students, and general audiences. I am so excited to welcome him to our leadership team.”
Kilpatrick is joining the Folger after serving as the Senior Director of Education Programs and Productions at The Kennedy Center. He oversaw the Education Division’s Music Education, Theater Education, and Dance Education portfolios, including school and family programming with the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera. He joined the Kennedy Center in 2007 as the Manager of Theatre for Young Audiences, and during his tenure, his achievements have included the conception and implementation of the two-week festival commemorating the opening of the REACH, launching an education artist-in-residence program with authors Mo Willems and Jacqueline Woodson, and curating and executing each Performances for Young Audiences season.
"I have been a longtime fan of the Folger, and to join their team at this moment in its esteemed history is quite an honor,” Kilpatrick said. “I am eager to expand access to the Folger’s educational resources, activate its newly renovated spaces and incredible exhibits, and ensure that Shakespeare and the humanities remain inspiring and essential for learners of all ages. What excites me the most is the Folger's vision to be a welcoming cultural space for Capitol Hill and DC while engaging audiences and learners across the country and around the world. I can't wait to collaborate with the team and help bring this vision to life."
ACG is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement, strategic planning & community engagement, and facilities & program planning and research services for the arts and culture industry. ACG consultants are located in communities across the United States and Canada to best serve the needs of our clients. ACG team members have decades of combined senior leadership experience in every artistic and cultural discipline and area of functional management expertise.