The Morrison-Shearer Foundation (MSF) has named SCOTT LUNDIUS as the new Executive Director effective immediately. Lundius will serve as the program and grant manager, ambassador and day-to-day point person for the foundation. His appointment comes at an exciting time for MSF following a recent restructuring of the board and as the Foundation prepares to celebrate the fall opening of a new Sybil Shearer Studio on the campus of Ragdale.
“We are fortunate to have found someone like Scott with a passion for dance, experience in administration and familiarity with our community” says MSF Board President Alida Szabo. “His talents will be invaluable as we continue our mission to perpetuate the legacy of dancer/choreographer Sybil Shearer and photographer Helen Balfour Morrison as an inspiration for new creativity in the arts.”
Lundius began his career in the arts as a dancer in his hometown of St. Louis, Mo. He continued his dance training in New York City became a member of the Limón Dance Company (1981-1985). In 1987, after more than 10 years as a dancer performing with a variety of New York City-based companies, he made the move to administrative roles. Over the years, Lundius has worked in a wide range of arts organizations including Pentacle and Prospect Park Alliance in New York City and Taos Center for the Arts and Taos Talking Pictures in New Mexico. With these organizations he garnered experience in virtually every facet of arts administration including fundraising, company and program management, fiscal administration and performance presentation and production. Since moving to Chicago from New Mexico in 2002, his passion and professional commitment has been focused on arts education, building strong creative communities and developing programs designed to serve those with the fewest resources.
Chicago career highlights include seven years as the Director of Education at Marwen, Chicago’s out-of-school-time visual arts program for underserved teens, and Director of Education and Programs for Old Town School of Folk Music, the nation’s largest community art school. Throughout his career he has maintained a deep connection to dance and dancers, frequently returning to teach, perform in and choreograph for special performance projects.