Nicholas Cohen

Nicholas Cohen

Maryland Citizens for the Arts

Panelist, Freelance Isn’t Free: Protecting Freelance Workers in Maryland and Around the U.S.

Nicholas Cohen has served as the Executive Director of Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA) since March 2017. In this role, he leads statewide advocacy efforts on behalf of Maryland’s vibrant arts community, working to secure increased public funding for the Maryland State Arts Council and to expand equitable access to the arts for all Marylanders.

Prior to joining MCA, Nicholas was the Director of Community Engagement and Education Programming for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He also served on Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh’s Youth Development Committee, contributing to the creation of a comprehensive plan to support youth across the city.

A dedicated musician, Nicholas currently performs as a contrabassoonist with the National Philharmonic Orchestra in Bethesda, Maryland. He has also performed with the Kannapolis Symphony, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and other ensembles throughout North America.

Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a minor in Developmental Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master of Music in Bassoon Performance from Carnegie Mellon University.