Philip McKenzie of Thief River Falls Elected Chair of Minnesota State Arts Board

Congrats, Philip McKenzie

At its July annual meeting, the members of the Minnesota State Arts Board elected their new leaders for the coming fiscal year.  Philip McKenzie, Thief River Falls, was elected chair. 

“2021 is a critical time for Minnesota artists and arts organizations as they reemerge from the unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said McKenzie.  “We have a committed and immensely skilled board working closely with our incomparable staff.  I am so fortunate to serve as chair of the board while we work together to support the resurgence of artistic activity in Minnesota.”   

McKenzie has been a member of the board since July 2018.  He was originally appointed to the board by Governor Mark Dayton, then reappointed for a second term by Governor Tim Walz.  McKenzie served as the secretary/treasurer of the Arts Board from July 2019 to July 2021. He has served on the board’s executive committee since July 2019; he served on the board’s relocation committee from October 2018 to March 2019, and he served on the Minnesota State Arts Board/regional arts council liaison committee from August 2020 to June 2021.

 The Minnesota State Arts Board is a state agency dedicated to ensuring that all Minnesotans have the opportunity to participate in the arts. Its receives annual appropriations from the Minnesota legislature and federal support from the National Endowment for the Arts that totals more than $40 million per year.  It provides grants and other forms of assistance to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state.  The board also serves as fiscal agent for the statewide regional arts council system.

 For more information about the Arts Board, its funding programs, and services, contact the Arts Board by telephone at (651) 539-2650, (800) 866-2787, Minnesota Relay 711; by e-mail at msab@arts.state.mn.us; or via the Web at http://www.arts.state.mn.us