NEWS: New Utah Arts & Museums Change Leaders Certified

On Thursday, November 1, 2012, Utah Arts & Museums recognized seven certifying graduates of the Change Leader Institute, an innovative leadership development program for people interested in advancing their communities through culture and the arts. The certifying Change Leaders are:

Aimee Bonham, St. George, Kayenta Arts Foundation

Ainsley-Marie McLaughlin, Salt Lake City, Heart & Soul

Andra Harbold, Salt Lake City, Theatre Professional

Dustin Nay, Herriman, Oquirrh Mountain Symphony

Jinni Fontana, Helper, Helper Arts & Music Festival

John Parkinson, Santa Clara, Space Between Theatre Company

Tamara Lindsay, Heber City, Artist


“The Change Leader network is strengthening organizations and communities throughout Utah and the region,” said Margaret Hunt, Director of Utah Arts & Museums. “We are pleased to welcome these new graduates to the network. They have already made an impact with their certification projects, and we look forward to following their progress as they engage with each other and with their communities.”


Change Leaders acquire communication and community-building skills in a three-day intensive training course and then design and complete a certification project applying what they have learned. Once certified, participants join a network of more than 100 Change Leaders across Utah who regularly convene, partner on projects, mentor each other and generate positive change.


Among the ranks of Change Leaders are artists, museum professionals, mayors, executive directors, volunteers, professors, government employees, entrepreneurs and many others. What they have in common is a connection to arts and culture and a level of engagement in their communities.


Certification projects allow Change Leaders to utilize their training in a practical, individually meaningful way. Projects for this class of Change Leaders included:


· Starting a street painting festival where student artists are mentored by professionals in St. George

· Producing a front-porch music event to bring music and the performing arts to isolated people, including those in care facilities in Salt Lake City

·Transitioning from a paid staff position to freelance work

·Planning a music lending library and supporting software for orchestras

·Organizing the first community mosaic project in Helper

·Envisioning new directions for an organization in transition


For more information about the Change Leader Program or a list of certified Change Leaders, visit artsandmuseums.utah.gov or contact Wendi Hassan, Community Outreach, whassan@utah.gov, 801.860.6396. Direct media inquiries to Alyssa Hickman Grove, agrove@utah.gov, 801.236.7548.