Cyndi Conn - Founding Director / Curator
Cyndi Conn has over ten years of expertise in the field of contemporary art. An independent curator and consultant, Cyndi held the position of Visual Arts Director and Curator of the Center for Contemporary Arts, Santa Fe until founding Launchprojects in 2008. Based in Santa Fe, Cyndi curates, lectures, and advises clients throughout the United States, Latin America, and Europe. She has lead art tours to Venice, Basel, Cali, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York.
Conn holds a Masters Degree in Curatorial Studies and Arts Administration from Skidmore College in conjunction with the Tang Museum, a BA in Latin American studies from Tulane University and studied at the Universidad Ibero Americana in Mexico City. She has lived in Paris, Mexico City, Austin, and New Orleans.
CONN - EXTENDED CV
Ben Lincoln - Founding Director / CFO
Ben Lincoln is a certified wine professional educated at the Culinary Institute of America. He is a member of the Conferie Des Chevaliers Du Tastevin (an international burgundy society) and a principal owner of Global Distillers & Vintners Holdings, Inc. Ben’s passion for contemporary art began in 2006 when he joined the board of the Center for Contemporary Arts, Santa Fe
Ben began his professional career in economics and financial management and holds a BS in Economics from Southern Methodist University. Ben studied at the British Institute of Florence while living abroad. He worked for Merrill Lynch prior to founding a financial management company, Lincoln Management in 1994. After a decade in finance and following the birth of two daughters he transitioned to culinary and cultural pursuits.. He has since traveled internationally to further his interest and education in the arts.
Shinji Ochiai - Intern / International Markets
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan entrepeneur Shinji Ochiai launched his first business in Japan in 1988 and has since built and managed businesses througout Asia, Europe, and North America. A former CEO, bank founder, and entrepeneur, Ochiai moved to Santa Fe with his family to focus on art.
Ochiai is currently enrolled in the MBA program at the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Business and is simultaneously working towards a degree in gallery management at Santa Fe Community College.