Montana Arts Council announces new executive director

From Montana Arts Council

HELENA — The Montana Arts Council announced Tatiana Gant is its new executive director.

For the last four years, Gant has served as the executive director for the Illinois Arts Council. Prior to directing the IAC, she worked for more than a decade developing and leading arts education programs for the agency.

Now taking the helm of the Montana Arts Council, Tatiana will build on the success of the Council’s work in promoting Montana as “The Land of Creativity.” MAC is a national leader in the world of state arts agencies due to its strategic efforts in proving the value of state and federal investment in the arts for the benefit of all Montanans.

“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,” said MAC Chairman Cyndy Andrus. “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.”

Gant said, “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. The arts have the ability to positively affect nearly every aspect of society.”

Gant is a trained visual artist and for several years maintained a studio. Her artistry includes ceramics, drawing, metals, printmaking, painting, photography and sculpture. She also founded a community clay studio and supported the management of a not-for-profit multi-arts community based organization.

Gant earned a Bachelor of Arts in fine art from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, and a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She 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 the helm from Cinda Holt and Kristin Han Burgoyne who served as interim co-directors since the retirement of Arlynn Fishbaugh, who led the agency for 24 years.

Gant will start with the Montana Arts Council July 31.