The Studios of Key West Announces the Appointment of First Executive Director
It took Eric Holowacz almost three days to get to the Keys from Wellington, New Zealand, but he says that his new role and tropical surroundings are all worth it. Holowacz, a seasoned cultural manager originally from South Carolina, recently arrived after a four year tenure as Arts Manager for New Zealand’s capital city. He has landed in Key West, eighteen time zones behind, to take up the directorship of The Studios of Key West.
“Wellington is at the far end of the Southern Hemisphere, but like Key West, it is a city blessed with extraordinary creative people and a sense of ambition, innovation, and individualism,” he said. “It was hard for my wife, three young daughters, and me to leave our Kiwi existence, but the robust creative community in the Keys offered a wonderful new chapter in our metaphorical book.”
The Holowacz narrative also includes a six-year stint as executive director of the Arts Council in Beaufort, South Carolina, several positions with Charleston’s Spoleto Festival, and early career development with the South Carolina Arts Commission. My career has been spent supporting artists, cultural organizations, and the experience of the creative process.
“The Keys are home to a vibrant, phenomenal history,” said Bob Muens, Chairman of The Studios of Key. “Our board and staff are already working to build onto this creative legacy well into the 21st century.”
Muens and his board were impressed by the new director’s track record of artistic programming, community development, and ability to forge partnerships.
“Eric’s background and interests revolve around the concept of culture, and how we share, convey, describe, and understand it through the arts. He is a perfect match for the mission and vision of The Studios of Key West.”
Local artists and the general public are invited to stop by The Studios of Key West to meet the new director at the upcoming Walk on White gallery event DATE TK. The organization and its growing campus are based at the historic Key West Armory building, 600 White Street.
