Branson Arts Council seeks new director

Branson Arts Council Executive Director Bonnie Herrmann plans to retire in May after eight years leading the organization.

Board President Lana Johnson said the 48-year-old nonprofit is searching for Herrmann’s successor with skill sets including fundraising, grant writing and administration experience. The director, the council’s sole employee, manages an annual budget of more than $60,000, Herrmann said.

“We are going to take the time necessary to find the right person for this position,” Johnson said in a news release. “Of course, to be the Branson Arts Council executive director, you must love the arts, but this person must also be able to wear many hats from finance to fundraising. Program administration and creation is very important, as well.”

Johnson, who owns Touch of Class formal and bridal wear in Branson, said a four-member hiring committee also would emphasize social media and online content expertise when it begins the first round of interviews May 1. She said the council would determine the pay range for the position at the May 6 meeting.

During Herrmann’s tenure, she was instrumental in creating the Educational Youth Symphony program and bringing an art instructor into area nursing homes to teach painting and drawing. Herrmann said the children’s program is in partnership with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, which holds an annual concert at Andy Williams Moon River Theatre attended by more than 1,000 area students. This year’s concert is tentatively scheduled in October, she said.

Noting the council provides opportunities for cultural events and programs in the community, Herrmann said its 175 members are mostly individual artists and art supporters, but there also are a few business memberships.

“We’re wanting to grow that,” she said.

Branson Arts Council is funded through membership fees, donations, fundraisers and grants from the city of Branson, Missouri Arts Council and the Branson-Hollister Rotary Club. The recent Dancing with the Stars of Branson fundraiser netted the group $3,500, according to BransonArtsCouncil.com.

Other programs include an art camp, a children’s theater workshop and a concert series at a historic church in downtown Branson.