Edmonds Elected to Americans for the Arts’ National Advisory Council

Theo Edmonds Elected to Americans for the Arts’ National Advisory Council

Members of Americans for the Arts, the leading organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America, have elected Theo Edmonds as a member of their advisory council for the Private Sector. Edmonds will advise Americans for the Arts’ staff on developing programs and services that will build a deeper connection to the field and the network membership.

Edmonds will help to develop and implement advocacy programs and serve as a leader to other local arts agencies seeking to connect with the private sector.

Edmonds was chosen by Southern Living Magazine as one of "50 People Changing the Face of the South in 2015,” and is Co-Founder of IDEAS xLab -- a catalytic organization run by artists and art professionals working at the nexus of cultural production, social investigation and marketplace. He holds a BA in Theatre from Transylvania University, a JD and Master's in Health Administration from Tulane University and a Master's in Fine Art Studio from the University of Kentucky.

“Americans for the Arts strives to cultivate the next generation of arts leaders in America, and I am pleased to welcome Mr. Edmonds to our advisory council,” said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “These leaders are willing to dedicate their time and expertise to work with peers across the country to shape national programs and messages and help craft services for states, communities, and local organizations. I applaud Mr. Edmonds’ for his valued contribution and commitment that will undoubtedly improve the state of arts in America.”

Potential council members were nominated in mid-September and were voted on by members of Americans for the Arts through November 12, 2015. Edmonds will serve a three-year term, from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018.

“I am grateful to President Lynch, his staff and members across the country for their confidence in me,” said Mr. Edmonds. “Having a working artist elected to the Private Sector Council is a significant validation of the work being pioneered through IDEAS xLab. I look forward to working with my colleagues to create new opportunities for artists in the areas of corporate and civic innovation.”

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education in America. With offices in Washington, D.C. and New York City, it has a record of more than 50 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.