Supporting the arts initiatives within the classroom, the Associate Vice Provost for the Arts leads the development and implementation of arts-focused programs across the Institute. This includes strategic planning, program development, student engagement and fostering connections with the community.
Jason Freeman, Interim Associate Vice Provost for the Arts
Jason Freeman is the interim Associate Vice Provost for the Arts. He is also the Chair and a professor in the School of Music. Previously, Freeman chaired Georgia Tech's Arts Council and served as Executive Director of Sonic Generator, an ensemble-in-residence that showcased technology-infused contemporary chamber music. His music has been performed at Carnegie Hall, exhibited at ACM SIGGRAPH, published by Universal Edition, broadcast on public radio's Performance Today, and commissioned through support from the National Endowment for the Arts. His work has attracted funding from the National Science Foundation, Google, Amazon, and has been referenced in more than 100 books, chapters, journals, and conference publications. Jason received a B.A. in music from Yale University and his M.A. and D.M.A. in composition from Columbia University.
Avital Shira, Director of Campus Engagement
Avital Shira is the Director of Campus Engagement for the Office of the Associate Vice Provost for the Arts. She is also a lecturer in the School of Literature, Media, and Communications at Georgia Tech, the Director of Strategy and Engagement for Creative Re/Frame, and the Strategic Director for IDEA Con, the largest student innovation and entrepreneurship conference in New England. Previously, Avital taught at Tufts University and Boston University. She also led community engagement strategy in Colorado for the Markle Foundation's Skillful initiative and spent six years traveling the United States, directing and assistant directing in cities all around the country. She is a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab and was named Best Director at the 2012 Portland Outdoor Shakespeare Festival for her production of Twelfth Night. Avital graduated from the MFA Directing and Arts Administration certificate programs at Boston University and holds a degree in Theatre Studies and English literature from Yale University.
Birney Robert, Director of External Engagement
Birney Robert is the Director of External Engagement for the Office of the Associate Vice Provost for the Arts. Robert comes with an extensive arts curation and events background. Robert was the sole principal investigator for a Microsoft and Center for 21st Century Universities grant where she curated two exhibits at the intersection of art, science, and technology at Georgia Tech. Robert also coordinates events for the College of Computing at Georgia Tech, managing 10 events per year across a range of programs. Prior to coming to Georgia Tech, Robert worked at Sandler Hudson Gallery, coordinating exhibits, events, and communications. She still serves as a freelance art consultant and curator. Robert earned her master’s in Museum Anthropology from Georgia State University in Spring 2022. Birney graduated from Birmingham Southern College with a BFA in studio art.