Bekah Kolbe
Durango,CO
Summary
Passionate and focused arts administrator with over 10 years of experience in arts management across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Possesses a diverse skill set and excels in flexibility, discernment, and project management.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Marketing, Communications & Projects Manager
Durango Creative District
07.2023 - Current
- Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs.
- Managed social media accounts for optimal audience engagement and increased online presence.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to use for launches, rebranding campaigns and promotions.
- Enhanced community involvement by organizing and executing various outreach programs and initiatives.
- Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop strategic plans for long-term growth.
- Advanced community outreach efforts by forging strong relationships with local partners.
- Collaborated with artists and other institutions for diverse and enriching exhibitions, attracting a wider audience.
- Promoted events and exhibits via social media, email and other communication methods, boosting event attendance by 90%.
Artist Representative
BEKART SERVICES
03.2022 - Current
- Coordinated successful events and exhibitions, showcasing the talent of represented artists to potential clients.
- Mentored emerging artists, providing valuable career advice and fostering their development within the industry.
- Supported artists in developing their personal brand identity through coordinated promotional materials and public relations efforts.
- Established long-term relationships with industry professionals for ongoing collaboration and networking opportunities.
Board Member and Chair of Granting & Projects Committee
Durango Creative District
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Prepared and presented reports to inform board on organizational progress and goals.
- Drove strategic planning efforts to align with company vision and long-term objectives.
- Founded Incubator for Emerging Artists with Executive Director and established a launching pad platform for local visual artists.
- Managed the implementation of various projects and events and managed the committee of volunteers associated with projects.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
Administrative Director
IAM MUSIC
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Streamlined office processes by implementing efficient administrative systems and procedures.
- Facilitated meetings among various departments to address challenges or issues affecting the organization''s goals.
- Implemented data management systems to track key performance metrics and inform strategic decision making.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations through diligent record-keeping and regular audits.
- Participated in strategic planning initiatives related to HR goals, aligning human resources strategies with overall business objectives.
- Presented project updates during executive meetings to maintain transparency around progress towards key objectives while addressing any concerns raised by leadership stakeholders.
- Managed finance department ensuring timely invoicing and payment from sponsors, maintaining positive cash flow for organization.
- Developed and implemented all-in-one billing, CRM, and lesson scheduling system for instructors and students (150+ people). Oversaw redesign of website.
Executive Assistant
IAM MUSIC
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Business development, manage day-to-day operations, accounts payable, billing
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the company.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Managed office inventory, tracking supplies and placing orders to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Coordinated events for staff members, promoting team-building activities and boosting morale within the workplace.
- Reviewed documentation and identified financial discrepancies where applicable.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, federal tax regulations; timely filing of all required documents, mitigating potential penalties or fines.
- Processed invoices and contacted appropriate parties for timely payment receipt.
- Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
Sales Associate
SORREL SKY GALLERY
07.2021 - 03.2022
- Facilitated sales with clients, built book of business, artwork research, shipping, and installation
Gallery Director
SLATE GRAY GALLERY
07.2016 - 06.2021
- Successfully transitioned the business from startup phase to full establishment.
- Organized successful opening receptions with attention to detail, creating memorable experiences for attendees.
- Mentored emerging artists, providing invaluable guidance and support for their professional development.
- Evaluated potential acquisitions by conducting thorough due diligence on artist portfolios or provenance documentation.
- Implemented targeted outreach programs to attract new clients from diverse backgrounds and interests.
- Developed strong relationships with artists, collectors, and industry professionals to grow the gallery''s reputation.
- Managed budgets for exhibitions, events, or promotions by carefully monitoring expenses and maximizing resources.
- Maintained accurate inventory records for efficient tracking of available artwork and sales transactions.
- Managed gallery operations, ensuring smooth daily functioning and excellent customer service.
- Curated diverse exhibitions to engage a wide audience and showcase various art styles.
- Coordinated shipping logistics for sold artworks, ensuring safe transport to domestic or international destinations.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and opportunities for growth within the contemporary art scene.
- Supervised staff, providing training and guidance to ensure consistent high-quality performance.
- Established partnerships with local businesses, cultural institutions, or community organizations as part of cross-promotional efforts that benefited all involved parties.
- Negotiated contracts with artists, securing favorable terms for both parties in consignment agreements and exhibit rentals.
- Enhanced customer experience with personalized art consultations and recommendations.
- Increased art sales by developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies.
- Launched online presence through social media channels or e-commerce platforms that increased visibility while reaching a broader audience base.
Production Manager
MudLOVE
06.2015 - 07.2016
- Managed bulk ceramic orders fulfillment and operations, managed production team
Education
200HR CYT Hatha Yoga Teacher
PRANAYOGA SCHOOL
Psychology
EARLHAM COLLEGE
05.2012
Skills
- Graphic Design
- Community Engagement
- Social Media Strategy & Analytics
- Website Development
- Operational Development
- Administration
- Newsletters
- Accounts Payable
Timeline
Marketing, Communications & Projects Manager
Durango Creative District
07.2023 - Current
Administrative Director
IAM MUSIC
02.2023 - 06.2023
Board Member and Chair of Granting & Projects Committee
Durango Creative District
08.2022 - 07.2023
Artist Representative
BEKART SERVICES
03.2022 - Current
Executive Assistant
IAM MUSIC
01.2022 - 01.2023
Sales Associate
SORREL SKY GALLERY
07.2021 - 03.2022
Gallery Director
SLATE GRAY GALLERY
07.2016 - 06.2021
Production Manager
MudLOVE
06.2015 - 07.2016
200HR CYT Hatha Yoga Teacher
PRANAYOGA SCHOOL
Psychology
EARLHAM COLLEGE
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