By Dr. Jeff Bird—
MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) was established in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed at supporting public art. It collaborates with numerous arts and cultural organizations to enhance the arts scene in Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana, while also partnering with the City of Muncie.
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tania Said, the Executive Director of MuncieArts, to discuss her passion for the arts and her leadership role in the organization.
Tania’s love for the arts was heavily influenced by her mother, an art teacher and artist herself. She spent her teenage years in England, where she studied ballet and played the viola. After returning to care for her ailing mother, she attended Ball State University, graduating with a BA in Media and Art History. She later earned an MA in Museum Studies from George Washington University. Tania has spent over two decades in the D.C. area, taking on various roles in the arts, including positions at the Smithsonian Museum and the George Washington University Dimock Gallery, and serving as Director of the Beam Museum.
In 2005, Tania returned to Muncie as the Director of Education at the David Owsley Museum of Art at Ball State University, where she spent 15 years before becoming the Director of Development at the Ball State University Foundation. She then moved to Minnetrista Museum and Gardens as Vice President of Exhibitions and Programs, eventually becoming Executive Director of MuncieArts in 2025.
MuncieArts is committed to championing arts and cultural experiences, public art, and cultivating a vibrant community of artists and supporters. Its mission aims to inspire diverse thoughts through community conversations and creative engagement. As a significant player in the local arts scene, the organization thrives on funding from grants, individual and corporate donors, local foundations, and city government.
Tania’s dedication to the arts is evident in her community involvement. MuncieArts has numerous public art initiatives and is currently pursuing a favorite project of mine: BoxBox. Since 2018, over 70 utility and traffic boxes have been transformed into public art, and a new fundraising campaign aims to beautify an additional 19 boxes along the State Road 32 corridor in Muncie.
Furthermore, MuncieArts is embarking on a Reimagination Framework focused on four strategic goals: Building a Strong, Sustainable MuncieArts; Connecting and Strengthening the Arts Ecosystem; Helping Artists Thrive; and Advancing Muncie’s Creative Economy and Civic Identity. Public input sessions will be held, inviting everyone to participate.
A vibrant arts culture significantly enhances a community’s quality of life and economy. Under Tania Said’s leadership, MuncieArts is dedicated to fostering this for Muncie. As Tania states, “If I’ve done my job, everyone will see how the arts and culture mean something to them and are vital to the future of Muncie.” Let’s all support these important initiatives.
