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WHO WE ARE

Always curious, informed and eager to advance social and cultural enterprises in the U.S. and abroad. That’s our constant mindset and approach. Eclectic and international, the NCAP team comes from academic and professional backgrounds in policy review, non-profit administration, creative communications, journalism, data science, arts practice, and program evaluation.

Drawing from our diverse range of skills and experiences, we serve organizations and individuals that strive to connect people, generate economic opportunity and foster creative societies.

 

Our extensive training in current qualitative and quantitative methods complements both a shared knowledge of cross-sector trends and expertise in utilizing industry-standard research software and statistical analysis tools.

The actionable results and advice we deliver enable clients to pursue and realize ambitious goals in service to their communities.

THE TEAM

Jeffrey Patrick Colgan

 

jeffrey@ncapculture.org

JeffreyColgan_Headshot.jpeg

Jeffrey has consistently been interested in the efficacy of American arts and culture institutions to identify and meet the needs of artists and cultural practitioners. This interest was born while performing in the music scenes of Austin, Texas, and developed while holding positions as an art gallery manager, museum development coordinator, program coordinator for a community arts organization, and arts & culture researcher. Jeffrey received his bachelor's degree (B.A.) from St. John's College (MD), studied statistics and economics at the London School of Economics, and earned a master's degree (M.A.) from the University of Chicago in cultural policy and political philosophy. He regularly contributes articles to the Gotham Center for New York City History and teaches courses in LGBTQ history and political theory at the Brooklyn Institute for Social Research. His most recent publication is a chapter in Intimate States: Gender, Sexuality, and Governance in Modern U.S. History (The University of Chicago Press, 2021).

 

Jeffrey brings an in-depth knowledge of cultural history and economic & policy theory as well as extensive experience in nonprofit development, administration, and program curation.

Tony Cleasby

 

tony@ncapculture.org

Over the course of his professional and academic career, Tony has investigated ideas emerging at the intersection of cultural exchange, economic development, and social engagement. He has served in roles that address challenges ranging from overseeing marketing communications teams to co-founding a web platform for interdisciplinary artists, to researching creative placemaking initiatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in English from Indiana University as well as a master's degree (M.A.) from the University of Chicago focused on humanities studies and cultural policy.

 

Fully invested in the strategic planning, historical research, project management, and communications efforts helping to propel NCAP forward, Tony remains committed to the study and advancement of social-minded and culturally innovative enterprises.

Theresa Ahrens
 
theresa@ncapculture.org 

Theresa holds a bachelor’s degree (B.A.)  in Journalism from the University of Denver and a master’s degree (M.A.) in Public Relations and Marketing from the University of Denver. With nearly a decade of experience in media relations, crisis and reputation management, communications and marketing in higher education, healthcare and broadcast news, she has developed and implemented communications strategies for a variety of clients, resulting in successful and targeted community outreach and engagement. Some past projects include: The 2012 Presidential Debate, Denver Advantage Exhibit at the University of Denver; Fundraising Dinners featuring President George Bush, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

 

Theresa is committed to giving a voice to individuals, organizations and industries dedicated to improving and building community through art, culture, entertainment, education and healthcare.

ALUMNI

Alvaro Bellolio

 

alvaro@ncapculture.org

Alvaro holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy. He also has a double major (B.A.) in Industrial/Computer Science Engineering. His interest in cultural policy began while serving as a department coordinator in 2010-2011 on a number of Chilean government social programming initiatives. This experience led to extensive studies into the impact of culture on local communities and the role of government institutions like the new Ministry of Culture in Chile. His investment in cultural policy continues today through his ongoing research and teaching duties carried out in both Chile and the United States.

 

His present focus involves investigations into the efficacy of creative placemaking, the social impact of culture in cities, and impact evaluation of cultural programming. In addition to overseeing his duties as co-founder of NCAP, he runs a Cultural Evaluation Think Tank in Santiago, Chile, and as an undergrad professor of Big Data for Public Policy and the Economics of Cultural Policy at Universidad Adolfo Ibañez.

Claudia Figueroa

 

claudia@ncapculture.org

Claudia has a Master's Degree in Public Policy (M.P.P.) from the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy. Her areas of interest include economic development, social protection, program evaluation, and cultural development.

Claudia is currently working at the Inter-American Development Bank, conducting independent evaluation about the bank's operations in Latin America and the Caribbean. She has more than 3.5 years of public sector experience working at the Chilean national government as Chief of Staff of the Slums Program and analyst for the National Investment System. Claudia is a Fulbright scholar. She obtained a Master's degree in Economics and a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business from Catholic University, Santiago, Chile.

Jorge González Hermoso

Jorge@ncapculture.org

Jorge is focused on issues at the intersection of cultural policy and urban planning; particularly how the arts in the public space foster social capital and creativity. As a project coordinator at the Mexican Federal Government, Jorge oversaw projects to transform unused State-owned real estate into socially-driven projects that incorporate the power of the arts into their design and vocation. He is also experienced in strategy consulting after working for Bain & Co. and MultiLatin Advisors in Mexico City.

 

With a master's degree in Public Policy (M.P.P.) from the University of Chicago, Jorge is a firm believer and practitioner of evidence-based policymaking and analysis. He is trained in data collection methods, statistical analysis and project management. Jorge also holds a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in International Relations from the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico.

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