The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, which develops partnerships and programs that reinforce artists’ capacity to create and present work, and advance access to and participation in the arts, has a new leader. Theresa Colvin took over as Executive Director of the Foundation on May 1, 2017. She succeeded Alan W. Cooper who retired after 23 years as the Foundation’s Director. Colvin was selected through a nine-month, national executive search process guided by Arts Consulting Group (ACG).
Ms. Colvin comes to MAAF from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) where she has been the Executive Director for the past 16 years. She first joined the Council as the Program Director for Community Arts Development and Music in 1997 before being appointed as the Executive Director in 2001. Prior to her tenure at MSAC, Ms. Colvin was the Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director of the Howard County Arts Council in Ellicott City, MD.
In making the announcement, MAAF Board of Directors Chair Scott Johnson said, “Theresa brings a unique combination of leadership experience, knowledge of the field, and deep personal commitment to the artists and arts organizations we serve. From her long tenure as Executive Director of the Maryland State Arts Council, Theresa is a proven leader, with a well-deserved reputation for integrity and commitment to excellence. She understands the field and the region, and will be an outstanding leader and worthy successor to Alan Cooper.”
Colvin has served on numerous boards and panels, including those of the National Endowment for the Arts, Americans for the Arts, and Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. She is currently a board member of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Under her leadership, the Maryland State Arts Council has greatly expanded its flagship programs as well as spearheaded several new initiatives. These include a statewide Arts & Entertainment District program, the Maryland Public Art program, the Maryland Traditions program and the Maryland Presenters Network and Touring Artist program. Ms. Colvin holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from LaSalle University and a Masters in arts administration from Drexel University.
In accepting the position, Colvin commented, “I look forward with enthusiasm to taking on the role of Executive Director of Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. With an outstanding staff and a dynamic board of directors, I am excited to build on the great work of my predecessor, Alan Cooper, and to continue to promote and expand access to the arts across the region.”
The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation was established in 1979 to promote and support multi-state arts programming in a region that includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, the US Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia, over the last 35 years, the Foundation has expanded its reach to include national and international initiatives. The Foundation’s work is focused on performing arts touring, jazz, independent film, support for individual artists, and international cultural exchange.
Photo: Theresa Colvin: Credit: James Kegley.
