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Posted on Mon, Nov 8, 2010 : 12:22 p.m.

Tamara Real resigning as head of Arts Alliance

By AnnArbor.com Staff

Real, Tamara.jpg

Tamara Real

Tamara Real, Arts Alliance

The Arts Alliance, an umbrella group supporting Washtenaw County arts and culture, announced today that Tamara Real is stepping down as president of the group for family reasons.

Real has been with the group for eight years. The resignation takes effect Dec. 31, and the Arts Alliance board expects to name an interim president while it conducts a search for a permanent candidate.

Under Real's leadership, the Arts Alliance raised its profile substantially. The organization has worked to establish itself as a true support group for the arts throughout the county. In recent years it has organized major initiatives such as a countywide web portal for the arts; development of cultural master plans for the county and its individual communities; and sponsorship of an annual "Convergence" conference to discuss arts and culture issues.

The group also distributes local "minigrants" from the state Council for Arts and and Cultural Affairs, and this year it took over organization of the county's Art Walk.

During Real's tenure, the group grew from its roots as an offshoot of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce into a separate, incorporated nonprofit entity.

Real also has written a regular column on business and the arts for AnnArbor.com's Business Review.

"It has been a real privilege to be a part of the Arts Alliance," said Real in a prepared statement. "During the past 8 years, I've had the great good fortune to meet and work with scores of talented and dedicated people who believe that arts and culture are fundamental to the well-being of our county's citizens."

The full text of the announcement from the Arts Alliance:

President Tamara Real announced today that she is resigning from the Arts Alliance. This resignation, which is due to the need to attend to family matters, is effective December 31, 2010. Real has already begun working with the Arts Alliance Board to transition to new leadership.

Real told staff and board members that this has been a difficult decision, and that her choice was based on the needs of family.

"It has been a real privilege to be a part of the Arts Alliance," said Real. "During the past 8 years, I've had the great good fortune to meet and work with scores of talented and dedicated people who believe that arts and culture are fundamental to the well-being of our county's citizens."

Real also communicated the importance of sustained involvement from the Washtenaw County cultural community in continuing the work of the Arts Alliance. She stated: "Community leaders now have a greater understanding of the importance of arts and culture locally, and the profile of the creative sector has risen dramatically throughout the county. I look forward to continuing to support the Arts Alliance's work of creating strong, vibrant communities in Washtenaw County."

Arts Alliance Board Chair Melissa Milton-Pung also issued a statement, saying: "On behalf of the board, we are saddened by Tamara's departure from the role of President. The Arts Alliance will lose a leader who has passionately and successfully worked to elevate the value of arts and culture in our community. We wish Tamara and her family the very best and we appreciate that she will work with the board through the transition to new leadership."

The Arts Alliance Board has already convened a Transition Team. This team will work to put an Interim President in place by the first of the year, at which time a search for a new President will be launched.

Comments

Martha Johnson

Mon, Nov 8, 2010 : 2:26 p.m.

There aren't enough expressions of "well done" and "thank you" to convey the impact Tamara Real has had Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Her time with the Arts Alliance has given our community state-wide recognition for the arts and cultural resources. She has mentored emerging artists, established networking venues, and found resources where others couldn't. In every life, family comes first and once again, Tamara has proven her mettle by making such a difficult choice. Her on-going support will be invaluable. Well done, Tamara!