Executive Director | Juxtaposition Arts (JXTA)

Elizabeth Winslow currently serves as the executive director of Juxtaposition Arts (JXTA), a North Minneapolis–based art and design organization advancing youth creative development, workforce pathways, and community-centered design. In this role, she guides JXTA’s next phase of growth while expanding access to paid, real-world creative experiences for young people.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, she moved to Minnesota to earn her undergraduate degree in Instrumental Music Education at Gustavus Adolphus College. After graduation, Elizabeth served as a band director in both rural and urban programs while championing arts inclusion and access. She quickly became known for her ability to build programs from the ground up and engage diverse communities through creative partnerships. Most notably, she founded the band program at Hiawatha Academies through extensive fundraising so that all students could participate at no cost and significantly elevated the rigor and public profile of the Richfield High School band program. Her teaching career extended beyond the classroom, involving local artists, families, and community organizations to reimagine how schools could use the arts as a tool for empowerment and belonging.

Prior to her current appointment, Elizabeth served as the Director of School Partnerships at MacPhail Center for Music, overseeing cross-sector collaborations in order to broaden and deepen music access across Minnesota schools. She piloted Project Amplify, a statewide initiative designed to center historically underrepresented students and artists, reaching over 18,000 students since its launch. Under her leadership, MacPhail’s school partnerships evolved into a model for equitable, scalable arts engagement that united educators, funders, and community leaders.

A recognized leader in the arts and education sectors, Elizabeth has been featured on Classical MPR’s Teacher Feature and received numerous awards, including the 2024 Community Music Educator of the Year by the Minnesota Music Educators Association. She also serves as chair of the board of Minnesota Winds and directs the South High Community Band. Beyond the podium, she advises emerging leaders, supports equity-focused arts initiatives, and contributes to national conversations on sustainable arts ecosystems. Elizabeth holds both a Master’s and Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, as well as K-12 teaching and principal licenses. She is completing an Executive MBA in Arts Innovation through the Global Leaders Institute, focusing on cross-sector approaches to strengthen community-based creative enterprises.