The Alliance for the Arts announced today the selection of Molly Deckart as the organization’s new executive director.
“Since our search process began, the board sought candidates who shared our vision for the future of the Alliance for the Arts. Molly has the taste, mind, passion and fearlessness that will drive the Alliance to new frontiers,” said Alliance for the Arts Board president Jonathan Romine. “Over the last decade, she’s been a champion for the arts. We’re really looking forward to working with her.”
Molly Deckart has spent the last 15 years working in the nonprofit arts sector. Driven by a belief that the arts can culturally and economically transform a community, Molly’s focus has been to advocate for and elevate artists and the arts by giving voice to the importance of the arts and culture sector, providing mentorship and resources to artists at all levels, and helping creatives build incredible careers to make their ideas happen.
With a degree in fine arts from Boise State University, Molly’s background as both a visual artist and as an executive director has given her a unique understanding of both the challenges and rewards that come with fostering a vibrant arts and culture scene.
“I am excited to delve into southwest Florida’s diverse arts and culture scene,” said Deckart. “Equally as exciting, I look forward to meeting all of the Alliance’s patrons that make up this amazing community.”
Deckart is currently welcoming community members, artists and art lovers to schedule times for a responsibly distanced meet-and-greet outdoors in the Alliance ArtsPark. Those interested in connecting can do so by emailing Molly at Molly@ArtInLee.org or calling 239-939-2787.
Molly joins the Alliance for the Arts from Boise, Idaho, where she was named one of Idaho Business Review’s Women of the Year in 2020 for her work in the arts. In Boise, Molly founded and served as the executive director for both the Boise Film Foundation and the Idaho Horror Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in the state of Idaho.
Having grown both organizations from the ground up, Molly is excited to bring her vast knowledge of organizational growth and arts advocacy to the Alliance and the southwest Florida region. She looks forward to collaborating on creative initiatives that will help make life in southwest Florida more meaningful, authentic, and connected while furthering the mission of the Alliance for the Arts to transform lives and improve our community through the arts.
Deckart replaces long-time executive director Lydia Black who recently retired after serving 13 years at the helm.
For more information about the Alliance, visit www.ArtInLee.org or call 239-939-2787.
