Arts Midwest is excited to share that Miah Michaelsen, executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission, has joined the Board of Directors.
“I am thrilled that Miah will be joining the Board,” said Board Chair Brian Tiemann. “She will bring valuable expertise and experience to the group as we work to advance Arts Midwest’s mission.”
“Miah has been a strong partner for us for many years through her work on the Indiana Arts Commission,” said Torrie Allen, Arts Midwest’s President & CEO. “I’m delighted to strengthen our partnership as she begins her Board service.”
Miah Michaelsen
Miah Michaelsen is the Executive Director of the Indiana Arts Commission. As Executive Director, Michaelsen has led a comprehensive programmatic review at the agency focusing on ensuring the broadest possible access to the arts across the state. Priorities include partnering broadly to extend the public value of arts and creativity for all in Indiana; building knowledge, capacity, skills, and networks that increase markets and audiences for Indiana’s creative sector; amplifying awareness of the social, cultural, educational, and economic value of arts and creativity across Indiana; and connecting people and communities to opportunities to create and experience art.
Before joining the Arts Commission, Michaelsen served as the first Assistant Economic Development Director for the City of Bloomington, Indiana. During her tenure, she leveraged partnerships to institute new sources of funding and investment in arts organizations, artists, and arts-based small businesses and developed strategic plans for cultural district development and public art.
She lives in Bloomington, Indiana, with her husband, Jonathan, and has two adult sons, Brendan and Wyeth.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to bring an additional state arts agency perspective to the Board,” says Michaelsen. “The importance of Arts Midwest’s work in advancing and spotlighting Midwest creativity can’t be overstated, and I look forward to supporting the staff, Board, member states, and all the organization’s stakeholders as together we chart a path towards deeper impact.”