Partnership for the Arts & Humanities Welcomes New Community Program Director
Kevin Ryan Brings Passion for the Arts to Cherry Hill Village
[CANTON, MI, August 4, 2022]– Canton Township and The Partnership for the Arts & Humanities are taking their new collaborative approach to community-building one step further with the recent hire of Kevin Ryan in the new position of Community Program Director, which will report to representatives from both organizations.
In a shared vision to grow Cherry Hill Village as a cultural arts, business, and community destination, leadership from both agencies see this position, which will be dedicated to planning and coordinating events, as an opportunity to bring the diverse residents of Canton together through dynamic arts-centric programming.
According to Partnership for the Arts Board Chair, Tom Yack, selecting Ryan was an easy decision, “Kevin brings more than 15 years as a professional creative with experience building community through collaborative artistic mediums. This combined with his passion for harnessing the extraordinary artistic and economic potentialities of the Village District, make him an ideal fit for the role.”
Township Clerk and Partnership Board Member Michael Siegrist is “thrilled with the selection of Kevin because his vision will solidify the goals of both the Partnership and the Township to make Cherry Hill Village a destination that brings the entire Canton Community together through the arts.”
Ryan holds a BA in Music Performance from Albion College (MI) and an MM in Orchestral Conducting from Ithaca College in New York. In addition to his work as a professional musician and music director, Kevin has maintained a private studio of piano students, and supports the creative endeavors of nonprofits like the American Cancer Society and Forever After Productions.
When asked about his desire to serve in this position, Kevin shared, “My passion has been fostered by my time living, working and volunteering in Canton. I firmly believe that Canton is uniquely positioned to become an increasingly important center for arts, music, and culture in southeast Michigan.”
Upon discussing what Kevin hopes to bring to the new role, he explains, “In previous positions I’ve demonstrated my ability to bring diverse groups of people together for a common purpose. My love and passion for art, music, language, culture, and diversity, and my understanding of what it takes to build authentic human community should all support this work. Contributing to meaningful efforts that will help position Canton as a vibrant, thriving arts destination and community will be both deeply rewarding and personally edifying.”
Ryan’s office will be located at the Summit on the Park as he joins staff teams within Canton’s Leisure Services Department and the Partnership’s Village Arts Warehouse.
The Partnership for the Arts is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that encourages the development of cultural arts and humanities in the region. Currently the organization operates and continues to restore the historic Village Arts Factory, located at Cherry Hill and Ridge roads, which includes a bustling 17,500 square foot Arts Warehouse and artist incubator, as well as a dormitory that provides essential transitional housing for veterans.
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If you would like more information, please email Ann Conklin annlconklin@gmail.com.