Claudia Pensa Bowen

Claudia Pensa Bowen focuses on fostering meaningful connections and sustainable practices within the arts community. Born and raised in Tkaronto, she grew up with an appreciation for the role of art and creative practices in exploring identity and forming community. She continues a personal practice of moving and making. Claudia now serves as the Co-Director & Director of Operations at BAND. She previously held the position of Gallery Manager.

Claudia holds a BA in Human Relations and Sustainability from Concordia University. Her experience in non-profits and community organizations, including the Riverdale Hub, CP Planning, Harmony Movement, and Regent Park Community Food Centre, informs her approach to programming and organizational growth. Claudia currently sits on the curatorial committee for SNAP, and is involved with The Dabke Collective, which focuses on different mediums of storytelling as a means of exploring identity, place, and belonging

Claudia Pensa Bowen will be speaking at the Museums & Public Programs Summit 2026 :

Beyond Scale: Small Institutions, Stronger Connections

At BAND Gallery, public programming is not a didactic add-on but a space for knowledge exchange, inspiration, networking, and shared meaning-making. Our programs extend the institution into the community, making the arts sector more transparent and accessible by revealing the layers of production, labour, values, and professional development that shape artistic work. This talk explores how small institutions are uniquely positioned to lead this work: staying close to artists and audiences, responding to emerging needs and interests, and becoming vital partners to larger museums seeking more responsive, innovative, and community-rooted forms of engagement.