Herman Marigny IV

Bio

Herman Marigny IV is a cultural strategist and creative technologist helping arts institutions evolve, connect, and thrive. At the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, he leads initiatives that reimagine the visitor journey through heritage tourism strategy, business model innovation, and participatory experience design. His work centers community agency and cultural meaning-making, creating new pathways for connection between audiences and institutions.

Previously, Marigny served as the inaugural Director of Technology and Innovation at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. There, he advanced initiatives that positioned the museum as a vital space for learning, dialogue, and digital transformation, including programs such as the Gantt Teachers Institute and expanded educational outreach.

He is also co-founder of ONE/OFF, a platform that empowers Black artists to navigate the blockchain, monetize their creativity, and retain ownership of their work. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sugarcane Magazine, and Going On Faith, and he has been a featured speaker at the Museum & The Web Conference, the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Annual Meeting, and the International Ticketing Association Conference.

Education

MBA, Arts Innovation – The Global Leaders Institute 
BS, Finance – American University

Presentations

• “Navigating Change: Shared Purpose; Collective Action”
  Association of African American Museums Conference (2025)
  Using participatory audience engagement to facilitate peer learning amongst museum professional navigating a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
• “Afro-Connections”
  Smithsonian Institution (2024)
  A cultural heritage exchange supported by the U.S. Department of State, fostering engagement between U.S. and Brazilian museums. This presentation highlighted cultural heritage exchange and human-centered approaches to staff and visitor engagement.
• “Journey-Mapping At NMAAHC”
  International Ticketing Association Conference (2023)
  Explores data integration at all visitor touchpoints to amplify the visitor’s voice.
• “Let Your Building Sing”
  Association of African American Museums Conference (2023)
  Discusses using music to enhance museum visitor and staff engagement.
• “Learning as We Grow”
  Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Annual Meeting (2022)
  A focus on building a cohesive data culture within visitor-facing teams.
• “Building a Cohesive Visitor-First Team During COVID”
  Museum & The Web Conference (2021)
  Strategies for team cohesion and visitor engagement during the pandemic.