Laurie Baefsky has assumed the role of executive director for the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru) and ArtsEngine.
“Leading ArtsEngine and a2ru is about advancing the national conversation in interdisciplinary learning, research and teaching between the arts and other disciplines,” Baefsky said. “I am impressed by what’s been cultivated on North Campus through ArtsEngine and Living Arts, and look forward to their next phase.
“At thirty partners and growing, a2ru continues to ensure the highest standard of institutional support for arts-integrative interdisciplinarity at a time when research universities, employers and governments are shifting their learning and working models. I look forward to returning to University of Michigan in this capacity and working with leadership across the country to elevate the visibility of students’ and faculties’ interdisciplinary efforts between the arts, sciences and other disciplines.”
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Baefsky was the founding director of Utah State University’s ArtsBridge from 2007-2011, which is part of ArtsBridge America: a national consortium of universities that leverage the arts as a tool to transform communities.
She recently served as grants manager for the Utah Division of Arts and Museums in Salt Lake City, where she oversaw the annual distribution of $1.3 million in state and federal funding for individuals, organizations, communities, and educators. A skilled grant writer herself, Baefsky’s efforts have resulted in approximately $4.5 million in arts funding through grants from federal, state and private sources.
Baefsky earned a Bachelor of Music from California State University, Fullerton, a Master of Music in flute performance from U-M, and a Doctorate of Music Arts – also in flute performance – from Stony Brook University.
An active performer and arts educator, Baefsky has appeared on flute and piccolo with the Minnesota Orchestra, Utah Symphony, New World Symphony, and as a tenured member of the Virginia Symphony for many years. As a chamber artist, her performances have ranged from Symphony Space, New York to northeastern Morocco and Umbria, Italy.
Baefsky previously taught music and interdisciplinary courses for eight summers at the Virginia Governor’s School for the Humanities and Visual & Performing Arts at University of Richmond, and served as applied music faculty at multiple colleges and universities throughout southeastern Virginia.
