ABOUT
ME
Summer Grace Swanson is a multidisciplinary African American artist and creative based between Paris and Abu Dhabi. Her work is driven by a belief in the power of art to evoke emotion, share narratives, and inspire change. From an early age, art became a vital form of expression and a way for her to explore and communicate her inner world.
After graduating from Al Raha International School in Abu Dhabi, she moved to France to study Strategic Design and Management at Parsons Paris, The New School, where she is currently a rising senior, undergraduate. Her practice sits at the intersection of art, design, and cultural production, shaped by academic research and a personal exploration of her African American heritage.
Alongside her artistic practice, Summer works as a freelancer, creative consultant, and programs assistant within the arts and cultural sector. Through her online studio, summerswanson.com,
she showcases and commissions creative work while collaborating with artists and organizations. Her freelance work focuses on graphic design, brand identity, website and portfolio development, and social media strategy.
She has consulted for Liza B., a leather handbag brand founded by Everett E. Johnson, contributing creative direction for website and portfolio development while facilitating a workshop collaboration with the Art Studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. She also gained experience in cultural programming as a programs intern at Manarat Al Saadiyat under Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, supporting event production and coordination.
Summer aspires to build a career in project management within the arts and cultural industries, bringing together creative vision and strategic execution to produce impactful cultural experiences.