Penelope Frances Turner

Penelope Frances Turner is a distinguished Professor of Art History, Philosophy, and Urban Studies at the New York Institute of Humanities, as well as the inaugural director of the NYIH Center for Urban Aesthetics. She is affiliated with the Institute's Center for Urban Culture and the Center for Arts and Society. Penelope earned her BA in Art History from Barnard College, followed by her PhD in Philosophy from Columbia University, and completed her postdoctoral research on urban aesthetics at Yale University.

In her academic career, which spans over two decades, Penelope has been dedicated to exploring the intersection of art, philosophy, and urban development. Her work delves into how public spaces can be transformed through artistic expression, influencing community engagement and social cohesion. Penelope authored "The City Canvas: Public Spaces and Civic Identity," edited "Art and Urban Renewal: The Power of Creativity in Transforming Communities," and co-edited "Philosophies of Place: Exploring the Boundaries of Urban Experience."

Penelope’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She sits on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals, including Urban Studies, Journal of Public Art, and Philosophical Perspectives on Urban Life. She has been honored with the Jane Jacobs Medal for her innovative approach to urban studies and the Dorothy Height Award for her efforts in promoting arts within underserved communities.

As an active member of the community, Penelope has served as a board member for various organizations, such as the Harlem Arts Alliance and the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative. Currently, she holds positions on the Boards of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New School for Social Research. Through her leadership and passion, Penelope continues to advocate for the integration of art and culture in urban planning, enriching cityscapes across New York and beyond.