Danielle M. Olsen is the Director of Programming at the Peabody Essex Museum, in Salem, Mass and a lecturer at Boston University’s Master of Science in Arts Administration degree program.

With over a decade of experience at leading cultural institutions—including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston—Danielle is a seasoned arts professional celebrated for her visionary leadership, commitment to lifelong learning, and dedication to fostering access to the arts. She is widely recognized for her impactful work in cultivating the next generation of museum leaders, empowering them to shape the future of the arts.

In addition to her experience in museum education and nonprofit leadership, Danielle has made significant contributions to the conceptualization, design, and execution of interactive, interdisciplinary exhibitions and artist residencies. Her notable projects investigate the connections, metaphors, and experiences of human beings within the natural world. Highlights include Wild Designs (2018), PEM’s redesigned Art & Nature Center: The Pod (2019), Where the Questions Live: An Exploration of Humans in Nature (2019), and the impactful Climate Action: Inspiring Change (2022), for which she served as Assistant Curator.

Danielle holds a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and English Communications from Emmanuel College, Boston. Her academic achievements complement her professional expertise, further grounding her approach in the intersection of theory, practice, and community impact.