Today we’d like to introduce you to Aimee Dunsmore.
Hi Aimee, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey in the nonprofit realm began with some great advice from a mentor as I was graduating college. It was her belief that working for a nonprofit would provide excellent training and that in many cases a nonprofit organization might be willing to take a chance on someone who is a bit less experienced but is willing and eager to learn. Following that advice, I applied for a fundraising position with Ballet West where I fell in love with the local nonprofit arts scene and never turned back. I’ve spent most of my professional career in development, recently moving into my role as Executive Director of the Utah Arts Festival in November 2020. I think how I started and how I got to where I am today are really the product of a philosophy that if you never try, you always fail, a willingness to not let fear stop me from trying, and being confident enough to know what I’m good at but also where I have room for growth and then finding the balance.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life’s challenges are as big as you make them and most things that are worthwhile seem to come with a bit of struggle. The same feels true professionally for me. I like to do a good job and have always worked to not only achieve goals but surpass them. Some things I’ve had to learn along the way are to not take things too personally (something I continue to work on to this day); not to equate failure with effort or my value as an employee or a human; and probably most helpful is that you can have a great plan, but things almost never go exactly as planned so flexibility and sort of rolling with the punches is key. Most of the time, things that have initially felt like they were going wrong they turned out better than planned, and even when they don’t, you learn from that and move forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Utah Arts Festival?
The Utah Arts Festival’s mission is to support artists and promote appreciation of their work. We’re a place where art comes, life and community come together. We hope to inspire artists of all ages to find and follow their passions and help to make our community a better place through art.
As a multi-disciplinary event, we’re able to provide low-cost access to a wide range of artistic mediums and genres. The hope is really that while someone may decide to attend to see a specific artist or type of art, while there, they find new and different opportunities for creative expression to engage with and appreciate. In 2022 we presented more than 1,100 artists across the spectrum of our programming, of which 76% were local and 37% were new to participating. On average, we present more than 125 live performances annually on our six stages as well as over 170 visual artists, 72 short films, free workshops and demonstrations, as well as an Art Yard with free make-and-take projects for children.
We work to be a space that is inclusive and accessible, and over the past two years, that has been a specific focus and area for growth. It’s been exciting to develop our Emerging Artist Program and build relationships with new community partners who are doing amazing things to support underrepresented artists. I think what I’m most proud of in my new role is the team we have and their capacity and interest in adapting as well as the desire to evolve. The Utah Arts Festival was designed 46 years ago to take art out of its typical venues and into the streets to help facilitate access to the arts. That desire remains today and I’d say we’re almost more committed to that than ever. Our team cares deeply about what the Festival adds to the community and is constantly working to improve as we go forward.
What matters most to you? Why?
I touched on this a little bit in the previous question, but I think what matters to me most right now in my current role is building capacity for underrepresented voices and perspectives. Art is transformative. It helps us heal; it facilitates important conversations; it creates an opportunity to come together. I’m really passionate about our event continuing to be a catalyst in our community that deepens connections, promotes discussion, and brings people together to celebrate all that art does for us as individuals and as a community.
Contact Info:
- Website: uaf.org
- Instagram: @UtahArtsFest
- Facebook: @UtahArtsFestival
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJIifPZAdkWm2rwVfY_Vog
Image Credits
Jeff Swinger (Swingman Photography)
Utah Arts Festival
