Jennifer Kleven

Vegas’ Culture Catalyst

By Laura Henkel

Las Vegas has always thrived on reinvention, and who better to guide its cultural future than someone who has grown up alongside it? Jennifer Kleven, a native of Las Vegas, has been watching the city’s transformation from a playground of glitz and glamour into a rich tapestry of art and culture. Jennifer, the newly appointed deputy cultural affairs director for the City of Las Vegas, is poised to help write the next chapter in Las Vegas’ artistic journey. It’s an exciting time for the city—one where its creative heart, nurtured by homegrown talent, is set to beat louder than ever.

Jennifer is more than just a passionate advocate for the arts—she’s lived the evolution of Las Vegas firsthand. Her roots in the city give her a unique understanding of the community’s needs and dreams. She’s not an outsider looking in, trying to interpret the city’s pulse. She’s part of its pulse. “No matter where you are in the City of Las Vegas, art and culture should not be too far away,” she says, and it’s clear she’s determined to bring this vision to life.

For Jennifer, the arts aren’t just a luxury but a necessity. “The arts have always been a transformational endeavor that empowers the participants to learn, express thoughtfully and encourage dialogue,” she explains. She sees the power of the arts to heal, inspire empathy and connect communities in ways that few other forces can. In her eyes, art is a bridge that links people across generations, cultures and neighborhoods. She aims to ensure the bridge extends to every corner of Las Vegas.

Her journey to this prestigious position is a story in itself. For over 13 years, she was a key figure at The Neon Museum, an iconic Las Vegas institution celebrating the city’s neon history. But Jennifer didn’t just keep the lights on—she made them shine brighter. She pioneered inclusive programming that embraced the diverse learning styles of the museum’s visitors. From first-time tourists to lifelong locals, Jennifer’s programs welcomed everyone. Her approach was simple but powerful: if a program doesn’t resonate with people, it’s missing its mark. That’s why she worked tirelessly to ensure The Neon Museum’s offerings spoke to all walks of life.

One of her standout achievements at The Neon Museum was creating the city’s first artist residency program. Jennifer took a leap of faith in trusting artists to interpret the museum’s collection and the city’s history in their own ways. “I learned to trust artists and learned from their interpretation of the collection and the city’s unique history,” Jennifer reflects. That trust paid off, as the residency didn’t just breathe new life into the museum but created a ripple effect throughout the city’s arts scene. By collaborating with institutions like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Nevada State University, Jennifer helped elevate the museum and local arts community to new heights.

As she takes the reins at the city level, Jennifer’s vision is more significant than ever. She sees a future where art isn’t just confined to galleries and theaters but spills into everyday life. Public art installations, outdoor performances and free or low-cost cultural events will pop up in every neighborhood. “No matter where you are in the city, you should feel like art is part of your world,” she says, painting a picture of a city where creativity is accessible to all.

One of her most ambitious upcoming projects is the Civic Center Plaza, a vibrant new extension of City Hall set to open in 2025. Jennifer’s excitement for the project is contagious. This outdoor cultural hub will feature a performance stage, new public art installations and a gallery, offering residents endless opportunities to engage with the arts. But it’s not just about creating a space—it’s about making one for everyone. Jennifer is working with local partners to ensure the Civic Center Plaza will host diverse programming that reflects the rich cultural mosaic of Las Vegas.

Of course, leading a cultural revolution in a city known for its world-class entertainment industry is no small feat. Jennifer acknowledges the challenges ahead but sees them as opportunities. She knows the arts have often been viewed as a “nice-to-have” instead of a “must-have.” But Jennifer is determined to change that perception. She believes that art is more than just decoration; it’s a mirror that reflects who we are as a community. “I’d like to make sure we are always telling the stories of the impact of the arts,” she says. “So often those stories aren’t shared, but it’s important for people to know how music, a painting, or a sculpture can affect them.”

Jennifer’s focus on storytelling is at the heart of her strategy to engage more residents in the arts. Whether it’s a mariachi performance in the park or a mural in a quiet neighborhood, she believes every piece of art has a story worth telling. By sharing those stories, Jennifer hopes to inspire more people to participate in and appreciate the arts. She’s also committed to ensuring the city’s cultural programming is as inclusive as possible. From promoting events in multiple languages, including Spanish, to developing programs that reflect the community’s diversity, Jennifer is leaving no stone unturned in her mission to make the arts a fundamental part of Las Vegas life.

As Las Vegas continues to evolve, Jennifer is ensuring the arts evolve with it. Her vision is clear: a city where the arts aren’t just an afterthought but an essential part of the fabric of daily life. With her deep connection to the community, wealth of experience and unwavering passion, Jennifer is the perfect person to guide Las Vegas into its next cultural era. For her, it’s not just about preserving the city’s artistic legacy—it’s about creating a future where art touches the life of every resident.