Michael Manes is an experienced arts leader, curator, and gallery director with over 15 years of dedicated service in the fine arts and craft community. He is currently the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Cohab Space, a creative workforce nonprofit based in High Point, NC, focused on supporting makers, artists, and designers through residencies, mentorship, and sustainable studio programs.

Michael’s career spans curating, art handling, collections management, registrar work, and exhibition design. His hands-on experience ranges from installing museum-quality exhibitions to mentoring emerging talent and consulting on private collections. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he brings expertise in fundraising, partnership development, and community engagement.

Driven by the belief that artists shouldn’t have to compromise in order to thrive, Michael is passionate about building systems that support holistic, sustainable creative careers. Whether in a nonprofit or commercial setting, he is dedicated to empowering artists and cultivating a more inclusive, equitable art ecosystem.