Janera Solomon
janera solomon is a Guyanese-born writer, curator, and cultural strategist whose work breathes collaboration, equity, and artistic expression into everything she touches. Based in Pittsburgh and rooted in the African and Caribbean diasporic arts tradition, she channels her passion into writing, institutional transformation, and financial empowerment for creatives.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (B.A.) and the Johns Hopkins University (M.A. in Writing - creative nonfiction), janera currently teaches in the Writing graduate program at Johns Hopkins University. In her over-a-decade tenure as Executive Director of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood, janera spearheaded programs, residencies, and inclusive ticketing initiatives. She grew the organization’s budget significantly and merged it successfully with Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, elevating the theater’s impact both regionally and nationally.
Her cultural consulting work extends to esteemed institutions like the Museum of the African Diaspora, Brooklyn Museum of Art, the August Wilson Center, and the Ministry of Tourism Ontario. In recognition, she’s been named among Pittsburgh Magazine’s “50 Most Powerful People in Pittsburgh,” honored as a “Woman of Influence,” “Pittsburgher of the Year,” and received other notable community awards. In 2021, her alma mater awarded her the Dietrich School Distinguished Professional Achievement Award.
Janera is now pioneering ARTPOWER Inc, a public-benefit organization she founded and leads as CEO. ARTPOWER is developing TORTOISE, a personal finance tool designed to help artists understand project costs, plan incrementally, and gain financial clarity—supporting sustainable artistic careers. She also hosts the ARTPOWER Podcast, furthering her mission to empower creatives with financial literacy. Additionally, she is active on boards including the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and the International Women’s Forum Pittsburgh Chapter.
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