Juliette Reid to Lead Starkville Area Arts Council

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Introduction

Juliette Reid, Interim Executive Director, has taken the helm at Starkville Area Arts Council (SAAC) as Mary Switzer steps down from the position. Ms. Switzer has served as the Executive Director for almost six years, during which the arts community in the area has seen considerable growth under her leadership.

The Exiting Director

Mary Switzer served on the SAAC Board of Directors for almost six years before she took up the position of Executive Director in December 2021. She stated that she’s leaving the role to spend more time with her family and focus on her own artwork. Switzer thanked her colleagues, community members, and the board for their support during her tenure. She spoke warmly of her time at SAAC, both as director and previously as a member of the Board of Directors.

The Incoming Director

Juliette Reid, the new Interim Executive Director, has been working with the arts council since 2019. Her journey started as an intern. She moved up the ranks to become the non-profit organization’s first AmeriCorps VISTA and first program coordinator. Accepting the interim director leadership role feels like an exciting next step for Reid, who has spent the past five years promoting arts in the area. Eager to bring a fresh approach to the role, Reid aims for “organized creativity” that can further the growth of the arts council.

A New Direction

Reid aims to strengthen the council’s reputation and increase awareness about their activities within the community. She talked about working in tandem with local organizations that are making significant contributions to the community. Reid also revealed her plans to expand arts programming in the area and attract new, fresh faces to engage with the arts.

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Handing Over The Baton

Jim “Nubbin” Herring, SAAC Board Treasurer, expressed the board’s excitement about Reid assuming the role from Switzer and carrying forward the mission of the arts council. Herring extended his support to Reid in her endeavors and anticipated a reevaluation of the permanent role for Reid and other potential candidates after the arts council’s relocation to its new headquarters.

New Headquarters

In July, the arts council announced its plans to move from the previous location and start sharing a space with Proof Bakery at 109 W. Main St. The move reduces costs while keeping the council downtown, informed Reid. While the arrangement is temporary, the arts council is eager to host events and display a gallery at the new location after a fresh coat of paint is applied this week. A ribbon-cutting date is yet to be confirmed while its first gallery reception is scheduled for Sept. 28.

Carrying Forward The Legacy

Despite the smaller space, Reid confirms that all programs loved by art enthusiasts in the city, like Art in the Park, Forks and Corks and others will continue as planned. Reid reassured the public, saying “Regardless of the space we have, we will continue to fulfill our mission. We’re still a gallery, and we will provide all the programs we’ve been offering.”

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Conclusion

As the Starkville Area Arts Council embarks on this new chapter, the community eagerly anticipates the positive changes and expansion of arts programming under Juliette Reid’s leadership. Time will tell how this new approach will shape the local arts scene while carrying forward the council’s mission – ‘open eyes, open minds’.