Hannah Berry is the Founder and Executive Director of Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public art and intentional placemaking. Since launching Lions & Rabbits in 2016, she has grown the organization from a grassroots creative space into a recognized leader in artist-driven community development.

Hannah’s work began in a Grand Rapids, MI neighborhood, where she created a gallery-based environment that blended arts education, exhibitions, and community events. This realization led her to expand Lions & Rabbits into a 501(c)(3) in 2021, with a focused mission to support public artists and embed creative strategies into cities and communities.

Today, Hannah leads initiatives that bridge art, infrastructure, and social impact—working with municipalities, institutions, and grassroots partners to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, community-centered environments. Her approach centers creatives as problem-solvers and cultural leaders, driving forward projects that are both imaginative and sustainable.

Hannah contributes to national cultural advocacy efforts through her engagement with Americans for the Arts and the State of Michigan’s Cultural Advocacy Network. She supports initiatives that elevate the role of arts and culture in workforce development, public policy, economic development, and community wellbeing—advocating for increased investment in creative economies and for artists to be recognized as essential contributors to civic life.

Her work is a commitment to building sustainable arts-based economies and addressing complex social challenges through creativity. Hannah believes that when creatives are empowered and communities are engaged, public spaces can become powerful tools for solving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Goals.