A local arts organization is changing its board and its staff, and you can be part of it!

First up: The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is Seeking New Board Members

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is currently accepting applications from individuals wishing to serve on its Board. There are currently three Board positions open: a representative from Koochiching County, an At-Large representative and a Student Liaison. The Board is especially looking for individuals with a knowledge of dance or classical music.

ARAC offers grant support and technical assistance to individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations who reside in the seven counties which make up the Arrowhead Region: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis. ARAC administers five grant programs for regional nonprofit arts organizations and five grant programs for individual artists, and is the primary funding source for arts funding in northeastern Minnesota awarding over $500,000 in grants each year.

ARAC is looking for individuals with knowledge of the arts, artists, artists from communities of color, arts supporters/collectors, or individuals working in and knowledge of the regional arts community. The ARAC Board meets ten times a year on the third Thursday of each month, except August and December. Council members award project based funding to regional nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists, evaluate the art needs in the region, and develop programs that stimulate the regional arts community. Council members serve as volunteers, but are paid a mileage reimbursement for attending meetings. Board terms are three years and a Board member may serve two consecutive terms. Serving on the Board gives an individual the opportunity to learn about arts activities in the region; increase their knowledge of grant writing and the review process; network with other artists and arts professionals; and have input into matters that affect arts funding in the region.

These positions are immediately available and applications will be accepted until filled. The available terms begin July 1, 2014 and run through June 30, 2017. A Board application form may be downloaded at the ARAC website. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. For more information about Board responsibilities, the Council, and its programs, contact the ARAC office at [email protected]; or by phone at (218) 722-0952 or (800) 569-8134.

Second up: ARAC has New Staff

Ashley Kolka, Grants Manager

Ashley comes to ARAC from MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids, where she held the position of Gallery & Finance Coordinator. As a curator, nonprofit arts administrator, grant reviewer, and rural arts advocate, she previously served as Vice Chair on Grand Rapids’ art and culture commission.

Before moving to Minnesota, she worked as Assistant Gallery Sales Director at the Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft in Louisville. A Wisconsin native, she grew up in Minnesota, South Carolina, and Kentucky. She holds a BA in Art History from the University of Louisville.

Erin Turner, Operations Manager

Erin comes to ARAC from Private Philanthropy Services, a small grants and foundation management firm in Minneapolis where she worked as Office Manager and Grants Coordinator. With experience in foundation and grants management, online systems, and structural administration, Erin has helped move the ARAC grant application system online and is working to create a stronger media presence for ARAC.

Before her jump into nonprofit work, Erin had seven years experience working in hospital administration at Essentia Health Duluth administering and implementing databases. In her free time she enjoys giving lessons in her two passions: piano and horseback riding.