Refinery ArtsLet's connect
Arts and culture
Refinery Arts

empowering
the evolution
of arts and culture.

We drive transformative change in the arts sector — comprehensive solutions for hiring and retaining talent, strategic planning, and dynamic reorganizations across the cultural field.

↓Scroll · Our services
Rock Rising
Fresh Ground Pepper
Miami Soundspace
The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture
Rock Rising
Fresh Ground Pepper
Miami Soundspace
The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture
Rock Rising
Fresh Ground Pepper
Miami Soundspace
The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture
§ 01 — Our approach

Innovative operational plans, sustainable community engagement, and value-aligned leadership that redefine cultural identities and programmatic approaches — from designing spaces to pioneering funding models.

§ 02 — Our services

People. Planning.
Advocacy.

  • 01

    People

    Energetic, inclusive leadership and executive search — finding the right people for your team, and customized strategies to engage and retain top talent. Tailored board development, leadership training, team building, workplace culture assessments, and DEI initiatives.

  • 02

    Planning

    Program and operational development and implementation. We help you identify needs, develop a plan, and implement it effectively — including training and support for your staff to succeed in new roles.

  • 03

    Advocacy

    Arts advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. We develop and implement advocacy campaigns, connect you with other arts advocates and organizations, and use research — surveys, focus groups, interviews — to understand audiences, communities, and impact.

  • 04

    The Refinery Intensive

    A results-driven, immersive experience crafted for your staff, board, or leadership team.

§ 03 — Who we've collaborated with

In good
company.

§ 04 — Insights

From the blog.

§ 05 — Our team

Twenty years.
One practice.

About the founders

Benjamin Williams and Jessica Bashline met in 2014 while working to open a new multi-disciplinary arts center in downtown Manhattan. Together, they have over 20 years of experience in virtually every aspect of performing arts, programmatic development, venue management, and events. In 2020, they returned to consulting to help organizations and developers reimagine and create 21st century arts spaces and programmatic models.

Jessica Bashline
Principal Consultant · Co-founder

Jessica Bashline

Jessica is a co-founder and Principal Consultant for Refinery Arts Group and an Assistant Professor of Theater at the University of Miami, where she teaches acting and theater creation. She was the Artistic Director and co-founder of Strange Sun Theater, a theater company in New York City dedicated to creating magical new theater that ignites in audiences and artists, the power of possibility. In addition, she was the Consulting Artistic Director of the Sheen Center, when it opened in downtown Manhattan, curating a full season for 2 theaters. Before that she served as the Artistic Director of Wingspan Arts, an arts education company in New York City.

Jessica is an award-winning playwright and freelance theater director whose works delve into complex social themes, particularly women's experiences and historical narratives. Her solo and ensemble pieces have received accolades, including "Best Storyteller" at the United Solo Festival. Jessica's plays are published by Next Stage Press and available on the New Play Exchange, she has two other books available from Applause books and has written articles for The Journal for American Drama and Theatre.

BFA, Boston University · MFA, Goddard College

Benjamin Williams
Principal Consultant · Co-founder

Benjamin Williams

Benjamin is a co-founder and Principal Consultant for Refinery Arts Group. Also serving as the Director of Production and Event Operations for a creative production agency, he has a diverse background in theater, design, arts, and consulting.

Benjamin has lead operations for some of New York's most iconic and recognizable theatrical and event properties, with a focus in venue operations, executive growth, and collaborative team development. Through his work in live performance and events leadership, Benjamin has established effective and efficient targeted processes. Focusing on individual and team growth, he has helped organizations achieve high retention rates, establish values-based foundational structures, and realize both vertical and horizontal scalability.

Benjamin had a 15-year career as a theatrical and event lighting designer, designing over 500 musicals, plays, events, architectural, and art installations. In 2011, he received the Boston Theater Critics Elliot Norton Award for outstanding design of Annie Baker's The Aliens with Company One Theater Company, in partnership with the Huntington Theater Company of Boston.

BFA, Florida Southern College · MFA, Brandeis University