Sheridan – Following a nationwide search, the Wyoming Arts Council has appointed Rachel Clifton as executive director; her appointment is scheduled to begin July 18.
Outgoing executive director Michael Lange said in a release: “Rachel is an excellent choice to be the next executive director of the Wyoming Arts Council. She has in-depth knowledge of the state’s artists and organizations, and will Has been deeply involved with the Wyoming Arts Council.” Developed the current arts council strategic plan. I have had the privilege of working with Rachel in multiple capacities during her time at the University of Wyoming and the Wyoming Arts Council, and have seen her grow and develop as a leader, organizer, and advocate over the past 15 years. Her detail-oriented leadership and desire for artists and communities to thrive will be an asset to Wyoming. I congratulate the Arts Council Board on this appointment and look forward to working with Rachel and the wonderful staff in my new role. ”
Lange is leaving the Wyoming Arts Council after 11 years on the job and will continue to work in the arts as Director of Fine and Performing Arts at Laramie County Community College.
Clifton has been with the Wyoming Arts Council since 2015 and currently serves as assistant director, with responsibilities that include managing the state’s arts in public buildings program, overseeing special projects and managing the agency’s federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Previously, she served as assistant curator at the University of Wyoming Art Museum. She has worked and interned at several prestigious museums, including the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Denver Art Museum, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Clifton attended the University of Wyoming with a BA in Humanities and Fine Arts and a MA in Art History from the University of Denver with a concentration in Museum Studies. In 2022, Clifton successfully completed the Arts and Culture Strategy Executive Plan through the National Arts Strategy and Penn.
“I look forward to continuing these initiatives and building on the foundation Mike laid during his tenure on the Arts Council,” Clifton said in the release. “The arts continue to grow and thrive in Wyoming, and I am excited to take on this leadership role and working alongside our talented staff and Board.”
The mission of the Wyoming Arts Council is to provide leadership and dedicate resources to support, sustain and nurture community through the arts.
