Recently, the City of Chandler appointed Julianna Crespo as the new general manager of Chandler Center for the Arts.
Crespo took some time to answer our questions, including about her extensive background in the arts and what she’s enjoying about being part of the Chandler community.
Q: Please tell us about your background and how long you’ve worked in the theatre industry.
A: I’ve spent more than 15 years working in the arts, primarily in curation, theatre, arts administration, partnerships, and community engagement. I started my career in North San Diego County and have had the opportunity to work across many sides of the field—from producing and programming to fundraising, education, partnerships, and organizational leadership.
Most recently, I served as executive director of Mosaic Theatricals, where I helped build an organization focused on professional theatre, arts education, and creating workforce pathways into the industry for emerging artists and arts professionals.
Q: What inspired you to apply for the position?
A: One of the things that immediately stood out to me was how intentionally the City of Chandler has invested in the arts. I came from a community where we spent a lot of time making the case for why the arts matter, so there is something really special about coming to a city that has already made the decision that arts and culture are part of the infrastructure of a healthy, vibrant community.
And then I met the people. The more I learned about the staff, the Foundation, the City, the schools, and the community that has built and supported this Center for so many years, the more I wanted to be part of this next chapter.
Q: What is your first goal?
A: I think my responsibility right now is equal parts stewardship and curiosity. The Center has a remarkable legacy that I want to honor. At the same time, communities evolve, and healthy organizations have to keep asking who they serve, who they aren’t reaching yet, and what their community needs from them now.
Q: How is your job going so far, and how are you enjoying being part of the Chandler community?
A: Professionally, I’ve spent a lot of these first weeks listening. I’m fortunate to have inherited an incredibly knowledgeable staff and to follow leaders who put years of their lives into building the Center. There is a lot of history here, and I think it’s important to understand that history before charting the course for the next chapter.
My family and I are still discovering Chandler, and it has been fun finding our favorite places, meeting people, and beginning to understand what makes it such a special city.