Project Management for
Arts & Cultural Events
Bringing creative visions to life requires more than just funding—it takes expert planning, coordination, and execution. With a background in stage management, gallery curation, and event production, Laili specializes in guiding arts and cultural projects from concept to reality.
She has successfully led festivals, public programs, and large-scale collaborations, including the DeFord Bailey Legacy Festival at Freight & Salvage. From managing logistics and community partnerships to curating exhibits and securing speakers, she ensures every detail aligns with the project's vision and impact goals.
Whether launching a festival, exhibition, or community arts initiative, Laili provides the structure and leadership needed to bring projects to life—on time and with lasting impact.
Make Your Project a Success
Looking for a skilled project manager to lead your arts or cultural initiative?
Get in touch today to collaborate.
"Laili Gohartaj is a highly effective leader and team player, adept at both big-picture strategy and crucial minutiae. She managed a major weekend-long festival for our organization with grace and ease, ensuring clear communication and seamless execution. I’d work with her again anytime!"
– PC Muñoz
Director of Programming at The Freight
"Laili Gohartaj is an incredible collaborator and arts project manager. In 2024, the Berkeley Public Library worked with Laili and curator Vania Kinard to coordinate the first ever festival honoring country music great, Deford Bailey. The project expanded across several venues including the library, Freight & Salvage music non-profit, and outreach in the community. Her work resulted in cross-organizational promotions of the Westward Bound: African-American County Music History & Lore exhibit, cultural and music programming on Black cowboy culture, and the Deford Bailey Legacy Festival. Laili brought artists celebrating African-American cowboys in contemporary culture in the Bay Area to this project. Laili was instrumental in helping lead the Library towards its first successful music and arts partnership with the Freight & Salvage."
– Heather Cummins
Supervising Librarian, Berkeley Public Library
DeFord Bailey Legacy Festival
Presented by Freight & Salvage
Ballet Afsaneh
Photo by Maurice Ramirez
Berkeley Ballet Theater and Berkeley Symphony
Photo by Louis Bryant III
Tezkatlipoka Aztec Drum and Dance
Photo by Thea Bellos