Tyler Denmead started New Urban Arts as an undergraduate at Brown University. His hope, which he continues to practice today, is to expand the role of creativity in people’s lives.

The importance of curious art making in his life was unexpected, as he initially set off to study pre-medicine in college, with the hope of becoming an orthopedic surgeon focused on sports medicine. A series of apprenticeships with a chef in France changed his direction in life, and ultimately led to his work with others to establish New Urban Arts, an
interdisciplinary arts studio that empowers young people to develop a creative practice they can sustain throughout their lives.

He was awarded the prestigious Echoing Green Fellowship, awarded to 15 social entrepreneurs worldwide each year, to launch New Urban Arts. The organization has been named one of fifty best arts and youth development programs in the country for four consecutive years. Rhode Island Monthly named Denmead the state’s best role model in 2003 and Providence Monthly named him one of ten leaders to change the future of Providence in 2004. He played a significant role in altering the after-school landscape for Providence young people. Under his leadership, New Urban Arts partnered over 1300 youth with over 150 emerging artists to form powerful mentoring relationships.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he now resides in Cambridge England, where he studies Arts, Culture and Education at the University of Cambridge. He is married to Katherine Campbell Miller. They have a daughter, Virginia Lynn.