Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture has appointed Rachel Mijares Fick as the inaugural program director for its Center for Art and Creative Exchange, a constellation of artist-centered programs housed at the Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) located in Philadelphia’s Center City neighborhood. Designed to advance Temple University’s vision for place-based impact and deeper community engagement through studio fellowships, criticism, annual exhibitions, public programming and a forthcoming curatorial studies program, the Center serves as a dynamic site for learning, visibility and collaboration.

“I’m thrilled and honored to serve as the inaugural director of the Center for Art and Creative Exchange. What drew me to this role is the initiative’s bold, innovative vision for investing in artists, scholars and curators in ways that are both deeply rooted in Philadelphia and forward-looking,” said Mijares Fick.

Mijares Fick brings more than 15 years of experience designing artist-centered programs, cultivating strategic partnerships and expanding opportunities for emerging artists. Her career has been focused on supporting artists at pivotal stages of their development while building connections across cultural and professional communities.  

As Co-Founder and Co-Director of Future Fair, an access-focused contemporary art fair launched in 2020, Mijares Fick built an organization that created new pathways for emerging galleries and artists while fostering professional development, collaboration and broader access to the contemporary art world.  Under the leadership of Mijares Fick and Co-Founder Rebeca Laliberte, Future Fair established the Pay-It-Forward Fund, dedicating a portion of fair proceeds to reduce financial barriers for under-resourced galleries and artists.

Mijares Fick has also contributed to arts education and mentorship through teaching, artist support and curatorial work, and has served as a visiting critic and speaker at organizations and institutions including the United Nations, School of Visual Arts, Sotheby's Institute of Art and Parsons School of Design. Her experience positions her to shape an ambitious new model for artist support within a public university.

"This initiative strengthens Philadelphia’s growing reputation as a destination where artists want to live and work and reflects Temple University's commitment to the City," said Susan E. Cahan, dean of Tyler School of Art and Architecture. "Rachel's experience building innovative arts programs makes her the ideal leader to shape this initiative from the ground up and realize its potential for creative exchange, professional development and public engagement."

The appointment marks an important milestone in the launch of the Center for Art and Creative Exchange, establishing leadership for a new platform that will support artists, foster critical dialogue and strengthen the university’s connection with Philadelphia's cultural community. By bringing together artists, critics, curators and the public, the initiative aims to build on Philadelphia's already thriving creative ecosystem while creating new opportunities for Tyler alumni and the broader arts community. 

Mijares Fick has already begun shaping the Center's inaugural programming around the practical needs of emerging artists. She envisions the Center as "a beehive of internal and external connections," where artists benefit from studio space alongside a community of peers, mentors and cultural partners. Her early plans include workshops on grant writing, strategic studio management and accounting, reflecting her commitment to pairing artistic development with the professional skills needed to build sustainable careers. 

“At a pivotal moment for the art world, this work offers a rare opportunity to support a rising generation as they build new pathways to success, community and creative leadership. I’m deeply inspired by President Fry and Dean Cahan’s vision, and proud to help bring this platform to life,” said Mijares Fick.

The Center for Art and Creative Exchange will officially launch with The Afterlife, an exhibition of work by Tyler's 2026 MFA graduates, on view Aug. 1–Sept. 14. The exhibition's reception on Sept. 10 will introduce visitors to the Center's mission of supporting artists through creative exchange, professional development and public engagement. Learn more about the exhibition here.