By Jorge Casuso

February 6, 2023 -- The City of Santa Monica has tapped the vice president of a design and architecture podcast with a degree in electronic music composition as its new Cultural Affairs manager.

Sofia Klatzker -- who most recently headed strategy for the award-winning 99% Invisible podcast -- brings more than 20 years experience as an advocate for the arts in Los Angeles to her new post, City officials said.

Klatzker has worked in arts education, arts policy and grant making programs and, according to her Twitter page, is "passionate about arts policy and youth justice." She is the mother of two, a "proud romance reader" and "sometimes musician."

As head of Cultural Affairs , Klatzker will oversee "a broad range of community-focused cultural, creative and arts policies, programs and investments," City officials said.

"She will work with staff, the Arts Commission and the community to build upon, advance and reinforce the vital contribution of art and culture in shaping the character of Santa Monica," officials said.

At 99% Invisible podcast Klatzker has "focused on strategic planning, visioning for the future and implementing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies," City officials said.

Klatzker previously worked at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and Arts for LA, where she was executive director. She also has served on the Arts for Incarcerated Youth Network Advisory Council.

"Sofia has a rich and diverse background in leading and producing arts programming, advocating for and supporting arts and cultural organizations, arts education and cultural equity and inclusion,” said Danielle Noble, acting director of Community Services.

“She has served on local and State arts and culture councils and boards, is well-versed in governmental, non-profit and private operations and is passionate about creating innovative arts and culture experiences and possibilities.”

Among Klatzker's accomplishments is transforming ArtsDay into a regional Arts Month celebration across LA County and designing "groundbreaking grants programs to support arts nonprofits focused on health and social services," City officials said.

"The City of Santa Monica has a wonderful history of artistic expression, strong leadership and a deeply engaged arts community," Klatzker said in a statement Monday.

"The City's commitment to ensuring that arts and culture will thrive in the future is impressive and I appreciate that the arts are seen as a platform for celebration, healing, learning and economic stability."

Klatzker earned a Masters in Arts Administration from Goucher College and a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin College.

She assumes her new post on May 8 with an annual salary of $176,648.

Klatzker is replacing Shannon Daut, who is returning to Colorado after seven years in the post.