Kramer-Harrison Named Ulster's First Arts Czar

The former Director of Projects for the county District Attorney's Office has been named the county’s first Director of Arts, Culture and Open Spaces.

According to the office of County Executive Jen Metzger, Sarah Kramer-Harrison will assume the new position in the county’s Tourism Department that will, Metzger’s office stated in a press release, “support the arts as an economic, educational and community asset, and capitalize on opportunities to integrate arts and culture in parks and open spaces.”

The position was created in this year’s county budget as a result of Ulster’s recently completed Arts and Culture Master Plan.

“Among the responsibilities of her new position,” Metzger’s office stated, “Kramer-Harrison will develop a centralized platform to publicize arts culture events across the county, create a resource hub for artists, promote the use of parks and open spaces for arts-related events and activities, and work with other county departments to integrate the arts in county initiatives and programs, from public health to youth programming to economic development.”

Kramer-Harrison is no stranger to county government and brings a notably varied resume to the job. Besides the DA’s Office’s Director of Projects position, she was Senior Crime Victims Counselor and Volunteer Coordinator with the County’s Crime Victims Assistance Program from 2016 to 2024. She is also founder and owner of Kramer-Harrison Music, leading youth and elder-focused arts programs for more than 20 years. She has contributed to the SageArts elder storytelling project, collaborated with schools and nonprofit partners, produced multiple albums, and earned recognition for her lifelong volunteer work promoting equity, access and the arts.

“As an artist and arts educator with experience in government and a track record of integrating the arts in county services, Sarah brings the perfect combination of skills and knowledge to this unique position and a deep commitment to arts," Metzger said. "I look forward to working with her as we bring the Arts and Culture Plan to life and position Ulster County as an artistic and cultural hub for the region."

“Ulster County’s artistic community is a vibrant, diverse, and vital part of who we are, and I’m honored to support and uplift the people who make it thrive,” Kramer-Harrison said. “I’m excited to work side by side with artists, cultural leaders, and creative organizations to bring our Arts and Culture Plan to life, and to help build a stronger, more connected arts ecosystem — one that celebrates local talent, expands access to the arts, and brings creative energy into every corner of county life.”

"The hiring of Sarah … marks a historic moment for our community,” said Ulster County Legislature Peter Criswell (D-Kingston). “This role was born out of a two-year collaborative effort to develop the Ulster County Arts and Culture Plan, and Sarah is the ideal person to bring that vision to life. As a lifelong musician, educator, and seasoned County employee, she brings a rare and powerful blend of artistic insight and government expertise.”