Felix Padrón

Felix Padrón has a twenty-five year portfolio as an arts advocate and arts management professional. In 2018, Padrón completed a two-year assignment with Artpace San Antonio, where he served as senior adviser on the development and implementation of sustainable business strategies. Prior, Mr. Padrón served fifteen years as the Executive Director of the City of San Antonio Department for Culture and Creative Development. As Director, Mr. Padrón managed a $20 million annual portfolio that supported arts funding, public art, film, cultural facilities, and strategic initiatives. Before becoming director, Mr. Padrón led the development of the City of San Antonio’s first public art program and served six years implementing city-wide place making projects. His success and expertise in the public art arena earned him city-wide respect. During his term, Padrón was recognized by the San Antonio Express News as one of the top twenty most influential people in San Antonio. Mr. Padròn is also commended for his arts and cultural advocacy efforts by appearing as a guest writer and commentator in print and media and speaking at regional, local and national arts and business sector meetings and conferences. He currently serves on the Board of SMU/DataArts, and is the immediate past President of Texans for the Arts. He is a former Texas Arts Commissioner and Americans for The Arts board member. Padrón also a holds the distinguished Taiwan Arts Ambassador Title awarded by the Taiwan Council for Cultural Affairs, in Taipei. He is a native of Cuba and is an accomplished artist and curator in his own right.