18 October 2025
Kris Moon: From James Beard to a21 & the Future of Cultural Experiences
Creative Coordinates
About
In this episode of Creative Coordinates, we sit down with Kris Moon, former President & COO of the James Beard Foundation and now COO at a21—the executive team behind iconic festivals like NYCWFF, SOBEWFF, and Art on Paper NY.
We cover:
His 17-year run at JBF and leading it through cultural evolution
Why chefs became powerful cultural voices—and how policy meets food
Building Platform by JBF at Pier 57 as a creative civic space
Transitioning to a21 and the art of producing large-scale live experiences
The WSA x NYCWFF partnership and why local ecosystems matter
How creativity, hospitality, and impact intersect
Rocket Round — favorite meals, concerts, books, rituals, and more.
📍 Recorded at WSA — where creativity meets community.
We cover:
His 17-year run at JBF and leading it through cultural evolution
Why chefs became powerful cultural voices—and how policy meets food
Building Platform by JBF at Pier 57 as a creative civic space
Transitioning to a21 and the art of producing large-scale live experiences
The WSA x NYCWFF partnership and why local ecosystems matter
How creativity, hospitality, and impact intersect
Rocket Round — favorite meals, concerts, books, rituals, and more.
📍 Recorded at WSA — where creativity meets community.