Durham Arts Council Marks DeMott Retirement, Names Amanda Miller Successor, Launches Hiring Search
Durham, NC — The Durham Arts Council (DAC) announces the retirement of Margaret DeMott, Artist Services Director, on July 31st, concluding a career of more than 40 years supporting artists and advancing Durham’s arts community.
DeMott joined DAC in 1982 as an intern and later served as Director of Programs and Director of Artist Services. She played a key role in developing programs that have supported generations of local artists and strengthened Durham’s creative sector.
Her contributions include co-developing the Emerging Artists Grant Program with Ella Fountain Pratt, supporting public art initiatives such as the 1989 Public Art Dialogue Southeast conference at the Durham Convention Center, and contributing to exhibitions including Silvia Heyden and Edith London: Together Again (2013).
“It is good to have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish, but it should always be informed by the insights of the people you work with and for,” said DeMott.
Amanda Miller, current DAC School Director, will assume the role of Director of Artist Services. Miller brings more than 15 years of nonprofit arts leadership experience and oversees the Durham Arts Council School, a community arts education center serving nearly 8,000 students of all ages annually and more than 100 teaching artists.
Under her leadership, the school’s enrollment has grown by more than 100%, expanding access to arts education for more community members. She additionally launched initiatives, such as the Summer Arts Teaching Fellowship for early-career educators and the popular Friday Night Makes workshop series.
“I am so excited to continue to be a part of the DAC team in a way that will allow me to work more closely with artists to bring their own creative visions to life,” said Miller.
In her new role, Miller will advance artist professional development, strengthen creative career pathways, and expand support for arts organizations, while continuing work through this transition on key strategic initiatives, including a new offsite DAC Clay Studio.
DAC has begun the search for a new Director of Arts Education to oversee DAC’s on- and off-site education programs and continue expanding access to creative learning opportunities for the community.
View full job description here.
About Durham Arts Council
Founded in 1954, Durham Arts Council (DAC) is a nonprofit arts agency dedicated to building a vibrant and inclusive community through the arts. DAC provides arts education for thousands of students each year through its nationally recognized Creative Arts in Public and Private Schools program, camps, and classes for learners of all ages. The organization also produces exhibitions and major community events including CenterFest, Third Friday Durham, and the Durham Art Walk, while supporting local artists and arts organizations through grants, facility use, and professional development resources.
McKayla Walker
Development and Communications Coordinator, Durham Arts Council
mwalker@durhamarts.org
(919) 560-2724
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE