As a nonprofit organization, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC) is stewarded by our Board of Directors. Our Board is composed of artists, applicants, panelists, and community members, who represent a diversity of disciplines, backgrounds, and each county we serve. As our organization’s governing body, they work to safeguard our financial health and provide strategic direction. In partnership with MRAC’s staff, they ensure that the organization’s culture, practices, and relationships align with the values, mission, and vision we set forth.
We’re introducing our Board members to the community through interviews about how the arts are significant in their lives, why MRAC’s mission is important, and what they hope for the organization’s future.
Ryan-Olivia Lundy joined the Board in July 2021. She served as Vice Chair from 2023 to 2024 and became Board Chair this summer. She is employed as Surety Service Associate and currently lives in Hennepin county.
MRAC: In what ways do you make the arts a part of your life?
Ryan-Olivia Lundy: Art has always been a significant part of my life. I briefly played an instrument growing up, but dance was my true passion, and I pursued it throughout my childhood, into college, and into a professional dance career. With my father being a house DJ and music producer, I was constantly surrounded by diverse music genres, which became a core part of our family life. Since stepping back from my professional dance career, my husband and I have continued to support artists across different disciplines, attending dance performances, concerts, and museum exhibitions around the Twin Cities.
MRAC: What inspired you to join MRAC’s Board?
ROL: As someone who has directly benefited from MRAC grants, joining the Board of Directors felt like the perfect opportunity to give back to an organization that has been instrumental in my artistic journey. I know firsthand how empowering MRAC’s grants are for artists from underrepresented backgrounds, and I’m passionate about ensuring others can access those same opportunities. Beyond that, I wanted to gain more experience in arts management, expanding my leadership skills while learning how to better navigate the infrastructure that supports artists and arts organizations.
MRAC: What do you appreciate most about MRAC’s programs?
ROL: How accessible the grants are. While they are competitive, we’ve made it our mission to eliminate barriers that might prevent someone from applying—whether it’s offering recorded applications, providing translations in various languages, or offering one-on-one support with a program director. There’s always room for improvement, but we are committed to making the grant process as straightforward and inclusive as possible.
MRAC: If you could tell MRAC grantees one thing, what would it be?
ROL: I encourage you to share your artistry with all communities, especially those who have been marginalized and underrepresented, knowing that your work will inspire others. Spread your creativity throughout the state and beyond, and motivate others who might not have considered applying for one of our grants. Minnesota is a rare gem when it comes to arts funding, and we take pride in knowing that these resources are helping to pave the way for artistic expression.
MRAC: What do you hope for MRAC’s future?
ROL: My hope is that MRAC remains dedicated to providing equitable access to the arts across the seven-county metro area, with consistent funding for our marginalized and underrepresented communities. The goal is to stay focused on the right path and work toward renewing the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2034, ensuring continued support for this vital mission!