The Airport Foundation MSP is delighted to announce that Robyne Robinson has accepted the newly created position of Arts and Culture Director for MSP International Airport.
"So many talented candidates applied for the position,” said Jana Vaughn, Executive Director of the Airport Foundation. “But we chose Robyne for her ability to guide the direction of this exciting new arts venue and utilize her connections to draw attention to our regional arts community."
The MSP Arts and Culture Program is a partnership between the Airport Foundation MSP and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), owner and operator of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and six general aviation airports in the metropolitan area. The objective of the program is to provide international exposure for the local and regional arts community through rotating exhibits, performing arts and commissioned installations. The Metropolitan Airports Commission is modifying space throughout the airport to display art and the Airport Foundation is managing the program.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be leading this new effort,” said Robinson. “Minnesota has a fabulous arts community. Through the MSP Arts and Culture program we have the opportunity to showcase this vibrant community of artists and their work to people from all around the world.”
As director, Robyne will be responsible for developing both the visual and performing arts programs at MSP Airport. Robyne will also collaborate with local arts organizations and artists to showcase the best the state and region have to offer to 33 million travelers annually.
A news reporter and anchor for 20 years, Robyne’s credentials as a promoter for local arts communities came first through the development of the most influential arts coverage in Twin Cities’ television, winning accolades from local and national publications and music critics.
Before Robyne left the news business in 2010 for a short stint in local politics, she solidified her commitment to the arts as a board member and advisor for the Minneapolis College of Art & Design, The Soap Factory, the Independent Feature Project-MN, Outsiders & Others, a non-profit arts resource for developmentally disabled adults, and the Walker Art Center, one of the world's top contemporary art museums.
She co-founded Exhibit, a non-profit arts collective that funded fellowships and micro-loans for visual artists and film makers, and produced Voce, an all-women rock and R&B music fundraiser, raising thousands for Lupus awareness.
Robyne was the owner of Flatland, a contemporary art gallery for emerging artists in Northeast Minneapolis which was featured in national publications including Art News, Juxtapoz and Elle Decor. Her curatorial skills won praise from national art critic and Star Tribune columnist Mary Abbe as well as acquisitions from Northwest Airlines and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Robyne's been featured for her art and music connections around the world, including BBC Radio, the Chicago Sun Times and Billboard magazine. Her private art collection has been shown on national TV and in museums.
Robyne's also the creator and chief designer of ROX Jewelry, featured on national and local media, shown at New York Fashion Week and in national fashion editorials in magazines such as Nylon and MOD. ROX is carried locally, across the US, and in Greece, the British Virgin Islands, Vietnam and Kenya.
About the Airport Foundation
MSP The Airport Foundation MSP is a nonprofit organization that has operated within MSP International Airport since 1982. The Airport Foundation MSP dedicates itself to enhancing the experience and exceeding the expectations of travelers at MSP International Airport, as well supporting the airport and broader aviation community. Some of the more recognizable projects of the Foundation include: hanging flower baskets on the roadway, children's play areas and our 450 much loved Travelers Assistance volunteers.
