From the desk of the executive director

From the desk of Executive Director Mike Markey:

Hello friends in the Nebraska arts community,

I want to take a moment to say how honored I am for the trust given me to lead the Nebraska Arts Council into the future. I thank the members of the board for this opportunity, and I thank former Executive Director Suzanne Wise for her leadership, sage advice, and tough love over the years, preparing the agency for this moment.

My vision for the agency is to continue the established high level of service to the arts and artists of the state. At the same time, we will build upon the success of our two newest initiatives: The Creative Aging Arts Program moves us closer to our goal of making arts education an integral part of lifelong learning, and the Creative Districts program is already making a difference in thirty-two Nebraska communities where the arts and creative industries are utilized to spur tourism and create jobs.

The most valuable assets for any organization are the people who invest themselves in the cause, and we are blessed with immeasurable riches in the dedicated staff of the Arts Council. They serve you well, and I encourage you to reach out anytime you have a question, comment, or concern. I can attest that the best part of working for the Arts Council is the time spent with you hearing about your art, your projects, and your community.

This summer, the staff and I will convene listening forums around the state as part of our strategic planning process. Dates and locations will follow, but please plan to attend any of the forums where we can hear your thoughts as to how the Arts Council can work to meet the future needs of the arts community.

Until then, I thank the many of you who have reached out with warm words of support, and I look forward to getting to know you all better in the years to come.

Mike