Jennifer Murray: FACETS Forward at Fifty

“We want to offer challenging films in a theater that has a real sense of community.” Jennifer Murray, new FACETS Executive Director.

Its extraordinary founder Milos Stehlik set the direction 50 years ago for FACETS, the beloved Chicago art house, with his successor Karen Cardarelli growing its audience, sparkling its spaces, and founding the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals. Now Jennifer Murray, a cultural producer, non-profit leader and curator, steps up as Executive Director to build on this gem of a gathering place for filmmakers and audiences and a hub for independent films. For Chicago film fans, FACETS is like a beloved baseball team, to support and cheer for as it grows due to wise executive directors and a board that deeply loves it.

Murray reflected this week on her thoughts on beginning the job:

“I have worked across the visual arts sector, particularly in gallery and exhibition management. One of my strengths is public programming, and I think I bring an outside perspective on how FACETS fits into Chicago’s broader cultural landscape.”

“We want to offer people engaging programming but also some experiences that challenge them. As a longtime educator I think about what someone takes away from a program, whether that’s a screening, a dialogue with a director, or our youth Film Camps. We’re not just building a film calendar; we’re also building community and creating opportunities to dig deeper.”

Tamara Bohorquez, immediate past Co-Chair told us:

"Jennifer brings a unique arts perspective to the role. Her experience across various mediums reminds me of FACETS early days with founder Milos Stehlik. Both share a deep understanding on how art makes us, our community, and the world a little bit better. So, we are excited to see her partner with our programming collective, team and board to further establish FACETS as a cultural and film leader in Chicago."

Like many other film fans, Murray fell in love with FACETS in the late 1990s.

“At that time, it was the main place in town for independent movies. I had grown up on the North Side, and I would go there for single screenings and film festivals. My daughter, who is 23 now, loved the Children’s International Film Festival so FACETS was always on my radar.”

Murray points to the new FACETS structure as a way her team addresses audience building.

“We have an audience that has been coming to FACETS for years, as well as a new, younger audience. How do we serve both? Our co-curatorial programming model gives us the flexibility to offer different film series for different interests—whether that’s Must Watch Indies, Anime, Cold Sweat for horror and suspense fans, Family Sundays, Movie Trivia, and more. Our programmers are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about bringing independent films to our community.”

With more than two decades of experience, Murray most recently served as the museum manager at 21c Museum Hotel Chicago, where she developed public programs and partnerships with cultural organizations across the city. For eight years, she was executive director of Filter Photo, leading the nonprofit’s fundraising, programming, operations and organizational growth. For eleven years before that, Murray was director of the Averill and Bernard Leviton A+D Gallery at Columbia College Chicago, organizing and curating exhibitions spanning contemporary art and design. She is also the founder of Staple + Stitch Art Book and Print Fair, an annual fair celebrating the intersection of art, text, print and paper. Murray received her MFA from Columbia College and has taught photography and visual arts at Loyola University Chicago.

Josh Mann who headed the national search for her position and serves as FACETS Board Chair said:

“Jennifer Murray is a thoughtful and accomplished cultural leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to artists, audiences and the organizations that support them. She brings a unique combination of strategic leadership, fundraising success, community partnership building and innovative programming that aligns perfectly with FACETS’ mission and aspirations.”

Going to the movies is a pleasure for Murray in her off hours.

“My son and I have pretty similar tastes, and we enjoy seeing movies together. But I also see films by myself sometimes. I’m a member at other independent movie houses, and FACETS, of course! I’m looking forward to visiting the New 400 Theater in Rogers Park, since that’s where I grew up and I have a lot of fondness for that theater. I like to support local businesses whenever I can, and supporting independent movie houses is a big part of that.”

“When I attend a film at FACETS, it’s exciting to see an audience that is eager for in-person experiences with people who share their interests. That’s what we offer -- a community for film lovers and film-curious people.”

For more information about FACETS: visit facets.org