On Monday, October 25, Hester Sachse embarked on her new career as the Deputy Director of the Kent Cultural Alliance according to Director, John Schratwieser.
“Hester brings a wealth of knowledge in arts management, and community and customer service to this position – and I know she will use all of that knowledge in service to the people of Kent County,” said Schratwieser. “I am excited and frankly, quite relieved, to have finally hired a second staff person” he joked.
Originally from the Hudson Valley of New York, Hester fell in love with Kent County as a student at Washington College, graduating in 2009 with a degree in Theater. Since then, she has worked in arts education, nonprofit management, and hospitality, splitting time between Maryland and New York. Hester moved to Chestertown full time in 2015, finding a wonderful community and home on the Eastern Shore. She is excited to advocate for artists who live and work in the Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District and throughout Kent County with her new position at the Kent Cultural Alliance.
An active theater artist, Hester was the Executive Manager at Church Hill Theatre from 2017-2019. She has also worked behind the scenes and onstage in many local productions at The Garfield Center for the Arts, Church Hill Theatre and Washington College.
KCA Board President Jason Claire expressed excitement about Ms. Sachse’s arrival. “The Board of the KCA welcomes Hester Sachse to the position of Deputy Director. Hester brings so much to the table and will be a fantastic addition to our staff. Through her management of the Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District and her direct work with artists from across Kent County, she will put her skills to work for the arts and culture sector.”
In her role as Deputy Director, Hester will act as the manager of both the Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District, and the Kent Cultural Alliance’s upcoming visiting artist residency program to be launched (upon the completion of their new “old” home at 101 Spring Avenue) in the Fall of 2022. She will be connecting with and supporting artist living and working in the A&E District, across Kent County, and those visiting from around the world. Schratwieser concluded by saying, “There is so much excitement in the air for KCA as we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnels of a pandemic (hopefully) and a fantastic new building focused on artistic and cultural engagement. The Board and I are thrilled to have Hester with us on this wonderful journey.”
The Kent Cultural Alliance serves the residents of Kent County supporting and creating inclusive artistic and cultural experiences designed to connect communities through shared conversations. It is the vision of the Kent Cultural Alliance that all residents of Kent County engage in important civic and social conversation using artistic and cultural experiences as a conduit for connection.