As director of digital, Brian Cavanaugh shapes the Vilcek Foundation’s digital strategies, oversees new media initiatives, and directs information technology operations. Since joining the organization in 2010, he has found ways to share its mission with broad audiences, unbound by geographical borders, through innovative uses of technology.

Cavanaugh coordinates the foundation’s significant online presence, including its website (designed by creative firm Pentagram) and produces campaigns that broaden public understanding of programs such as the Vilcek Prizes and the Vilcek Foundation Art Collections. Cavanaugh executive-produced the 2020 Vilcek Foundation Prizes video series, which was named an honoree in the category of Diversity & Inclusion at the 25th annual Webby Awards.

Cavanaugh spearheaded the development of a cohesive brand platform and strategy for the foundation, incorporating qualitative and quantitative analysis of audience engagement, UI and UX best practices, and accessibility. Behind the scenes, he develops policies and strategies regarding information systems and database management. Cavanaugh is an Apple Certified Support Professional, and holds additional certifications with Google; he is also an active member of the Nonprofit Technology Network.

He has long been fascinated by the intersection between art and technology. As an artist, he creates interpretations of our digital culture and the notion of the self through data, technology, and a variety of digital and traditional media. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Digital Media from Albright College and a Master of Fine Arts in New Forms from Pratt Institute. He has exhibited his work at Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition, FIGMENT NYC, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Brooklyn Art Space, and LUMEN International Video and Performance Art Festival.