Amy Steinhaus Kirwin

Prior to joining the Guild Hall team, Amy served as the Artistic Director of Southampton Art Center where she helped to establish the institution’s prominent role as a gathering place for the arts. As AD, she defined the artistic vision, brand and messaging with an emphasis on community engagement, diversity, and artist-led initiatives. She conceived, curated, and produced the exhibitions and programs eARTh: Artists as ActivistsTAKEOVER: Artists-in-Residence, Unity Fest, Storefront Art Initiative, and The Public Art Project co-organized with artist Eric Fischl. She has served on the Southampton Village Business Revitalization Committee from 2019-2021, is a founding member of Hamptons Arts Network, and joined the board of the Greater East Hampton Chamber of Commerce in 2024.

Originally from Los Angeles, Amy has a degree in Theatre & Film from the University of Kansas and completed two years in the acting conservatory program at Circle in the Square Theatre School, New York. Early in her career, she managed the box offices for Forbidden Broadway and The New Victory Theater. She was ultimately part of the three-person team that opened and operated 59E59 Theaters, serving as Director of Sales and Membership and playing a key role in creating the identity of the institution that remains strong today. She later became Manager of Partnership Marketing at the Broadway League and Tony Awards, creating the Broadway Concierge program to manage high-level hospitality for corporate sponsors including Avis, Continental Airlines, NetJets, Sprint, Amtrak, Audemars Piguet, IMB, Chase, the NY Times and more.

After 15 years in NYC, Amy moved to the Hamptons and joined the staff at the Parrish Art Museum in 2010 in advance of opening the new Herzog & de Meuron facility in Water Mill. Amy established the Parrish’s internship program and built the Visitor Services department, serving as Visitor Services and Programs Manager. She was named Artistic Director of Southampton Arts Center in May 2016 and during her tenure she expanded their public offerings from 50 to over 200 annually, transitioning from seasonal to year-round. She worked with countless artists, performers, educators, business partners, and patrons during her time at SAC, and designed a highly successful public relations and marketing message across media platforms. She joined Guild Hall in February 2021 as its first Chief Creative Officer, and now serves as Chief Public Engagement + Impact Officer, creating and overseeing community engagement programming such as Art Socials and Silent Disco Dance Parties, and produces Florence Fabricant’s long-running series, Stirring the Pot. Amy also oversees marketing, PR, visitor services, and Louise & Howie’s Coffee Bar.

Photo: Lori Hawkins