By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The City of Decatur is now taking applications for a new director of its downtown art gallery, the HIVE.
The position became open with the recent resignation of Kim Brandt, who steps down July 22.
Community Coordinator Jamie Gephart said applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Monday, July 22.
For applications and a job description, those interested should visit www.cityofdecatur.in.gov
Applications may be dropped off at City Hall or sent to: jamie gephart at jgephart@decaturin.org
Brandt took the HIVE (Harness, Innovate, Visualize, Energize) post in May of 2022. She was the third person to head the center, the first two having moved on after relatively short stays for a better situation.
The director’s post pays $15 an hour for up to 25 hours a week.
The responsibilities of the gallery director, who reports to the mayor, are as follows:
• Serve as primary point of contact for development and coordination for creative engagement space.
• Have regularly scheduled open hours for The Hive
• Work with local, Fort Wayne, northeast Indiana and state art resources, organizations, etc., to identify and schedule programming for the first floor space; classes, presentations, opportunities for The Loft tenants and the community.
• Develop and implement a plan to promote the creative engagement center and art initiative in Decatur.
• Collaborate with Biggs Property Management to identify volunteer opportunities for The Loft tenants.
• Manage The Hive’s social media presence.
• Participate in local/downtown promotions and activities as a regular downtown business would.
• Make sure The Hive has the tables and chairs ready for event rentals and is clean before the rental time.
The HIVE came into existence along with the 2nd St. Lofts. As Biggs Property Management repurposed the top two floors of the former Schafer Hardware building on Second St., the City of Decatur leased the bottom floor for use as a cultural center.
