Montana Arts Council hires new executive director

The Montana Arts Council has picked Tatiana Gant, who spent the last four years as the executive director of the Illinois Arts Council, as its new executive director.

Gant worked for more than a decade developing and leading arts education programs for the Illinois Arts Council before helming the organization.

At the Montana Arts Council, Gant will be working to promote Montana as “The Land of Creativity.” The MAC has undertaken strategic efforts to prove the value of state and federal investment in the arts, becoming a national leader on the subject.

“We focus our efforts on showing the economic benefits of the arts to the state’s economy, advancing arts learning and promoting the public value of the arts,” MAC Chairman Cyndy Andrus said. “We welcome Tatiana’s enthusiasm and insights as she leads us in promoting the arts in the state, works with our political leadership, and directs operations.”

“I’m driven by my conviction of the transformative power of the arts; improved quality of life, economic growth, strengthening communities, enriching education and attracting tourism,” Gant said. “The arts have the ability to positively affect nearly every aspect of society.”

Gant is a trained visual artist and maintained a studio practice for several years. Her artistry includes ceramics, drawing, metals, printmaking, painting, photography and sculpture. She also founded a community clay studio, and supported the management of a nonprofit multi-arts community organization.

Gant has earned degrees from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has served on numerous arts leadership committees, including the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies Nominating Committee and Arts Education Working Group, the Illinois Arts Learning Standards Leadership Committee, and the Chicago Art Learning Initiative Advisory Committee. She served as project director on the National Endowment for the Arts Education Leaders Institute, as well as a review panelist for the NEA, Louisiana Arts Council and Iowa Arts Council.

Gant will take over for Cinda Holt and Kristin Han Burgoyne, who have served as interim co-directors since the retirement of Arlynn Fishbaugh, who lead the agency for 24 years. Gant’s first day will be July 31.

For more information, visit art.mt.gov.