“Salt Lake City’s arts programs are transforming our community. They are invigorating our nightlife and exposing our residents to diverse cultural experiences. These programs are sparking the imaginations of people young and old through access to thought-provoking and challenging art. This is what makes our city great and I’m so excited to join the team and keep that momentum going,” says Megan Risbon.

Megan is joining Salt Lake City’s Art Council as the Arts Events Production Manager. In this role, Megan will recruit and support the volunteers—who are the lifeblood of SLC Arts Council—and publicize its programs and fundraising events. Residents and visitors alike know these events as the Living Traditions Arts Festival, Brown Bag Concert Series, Salt Lake City’s Public Art Program, Finch Lane Gallery, Guest Writer Series, and other outreach programs.

Managing these programs is no small task, as the programs continue to grow with increased attendance year-after-year. Megan will facilitate that growth, soliciting funding from corporations, foundation and government grants, as well as developing sponsorship packages. She is responsible for the technical production of the events, working with artists, contracts and venues. She represents the Arts Council in a professional capacity at the local, regional, state and national level.

Megan has worked as an event planner for various organizations since 2005. Upon graduating from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, she began working for political candidates–raising money, organizing events, and planning campaign logistics. She served as Chair of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party from 2005 to 2007. She has also worked for local non-profit organizations like the Utah Pride Center, helping to plan the Utah Pride Festival for 7 years. During her time with the Pride Festival, she was honored with the ‘Megan Risbon Festival Volunteer Award,’ an annual award named after her for exemplary service to Utah Pride Festival.

“Megan embodies the ideal combination of experience, expertise and enthusiasm to meet Salt Lake City Arts Council where it is, and elevate it to even higher levels. Her role is critical to enriching our community through the arts,” says Executive Director Karen Krieger. “She’s ready to hit the ground running. We’re thrilled to have her on staff.”

When she is not working, Megan enjoys all that is great about living in Salt Lake City – outdoors, recreation, arts, architecture, reading and music. She loves taking walks around different parts of the city and riding her bike along the Jordan River Parkway—(a hidden gem in Salt Lake City!). She says, “I truly love all types of music and believe that music has the power to bring people together. I love dancing because it brings so much joy and happiness to people. You just can’t be upset if you’re dancing! The thing I love most about planning events is that I get to create things that bring people together and make them happy.”