ArtsBuild (formerly Allied Arts) will host an Opening Reception to kick off its 2013 William Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute on Monday, from 5-7 p.m. at the Tivoli Center. This is the institute’s ninth annual class. The eight-week series is designed to fully engage participants in Chattanooga’s arts community.
Launched in 2005 in memory of long-time board member and arts advocate A. William Holmberg, Jr., the institute offers behind-the-scenes site visits to cultural and educational institutions, case studies of arts agencies, panel discussions with community leaders, and a unique forum for pursuing shared goals among arts leaders, business leaders, educators, and philanthropic foundations.
Blair Mard, retail recruiter at River City Company, is one of 31 participants selected for the 2013 Holmberg class, and said, “Applying for the Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute was not really an option for me, but a necessity. As someone looking to become a well-rounded community leader, it is imperative I know more about the arts community in Chattanooga and how I can give back. My passion has always been in performing arts and community development, and I am eager to use these interests as well as learn new aspects of the arts culture to continue to make Chattanooga the wonderful city it is today.”
Topics covered in the 2013 Holmberg Institute include leadership and board development, arts education, diversity and strengthening neighborhoods, building an artist-friendly community, and funding and economic development.
This year’s participants include: Linda Allen, Sarah Clark Alonso, Greg Bagby, Andrea Becksvoort, Emily Kate Boyd, Sharon Braden, Ann Cater, Mitch Collins, Tom Crutchfield, Amy Donahue, Lisa Flint, Emily Forrest, Lauren Higgins, Liz Hobbs, Ginny Kelly, Michelle Kimbrell, Blair Mard, Laurie Melnik, Yolanda Morton, Stephanie Pearson, Lucky Ramsey, Rebekah Rapp, Laura Lea Sencabaugh, Bruce Shaw, Jenni Smith, Emma Smith, Sandy Smith, Sara Snider Schone, Janet Suber, Rachael Sutton, and Ashley Zimmerman.