Krys Holmes steps away from her beloved Myrna Loy to become executive director of the Montana Arts Council in October.
The Montana Arts Council recently announced that Helena’s Krys Holmes will be its next executive director, following a nationwide search among candidates from Montana and multiple states across the country. She’ll begin transitioning into the role on Oct. 2.
Holmes heads up the Arts Council after serving as executive director of The Myrna Loy, Helena’s multidisciplinary arts and culture center, since 2014.
Holmes has worked in the arts for more than 30 years, amassing a wealth of expertise about Montana’s history, culture, and heritage. She’s held a number of diverse roles: writer, communications professional, accountant, and director of both The Myrna Loy and interim director of the Holter Museum of Art in Helena.
“I’m passionate about any opportunity to celebrate and showcase Montana’s distinct cultural character, any opportunity to increase access to arts experiences to Montana citizens across the state, and any opportunity to collaborate with other leaders to strengthen Montana’s communities through the arts,” she says.
“We on the Montana Arts Council are excited that Krys Holmes has agreed to become our new executive director,” says Montana Arts Council Chairman Greg Murphy. “She was selected from a very deep pool of more than 50 applicants from around the country and Montana. She brings a great store of knowledge about Montana history and the arts in all their varieties.”
At The Myrna, Holmes help build a dedicated staff, in partnership with center’s board of directors, and worked to foster a renewed culture of collaboration with the community.
“Krys’ enthusiasm for the arts and for her new position inspires us. We very much look forward to her leading us in our mission ‘to develop the creative potential of all Montanans, advance education, spur economic vibrancy and revitalize communities through involvement in the arts.’”
Holmes also looks forward to putting her experience and passion to work “on a statewide level for the arts in Montana.”
She leaves the beloved Myrna Loy “in the dedicated, gifted hands of Benji Cosgrove and the amazing team there, which gives me great confidence that the Myrna will sail on in creativity and joy.”