We are calling on friends, artists, arts workers, community members, and mental health advocates to stand with us in supporting the nomination of Scott Miller Berry for the newly created position of Artistic Director at Workman Arts. 

In May, 2025, the Workman Arts Board of Directors suddenly announced a restructuring of the organization. With zero community, artist member, or staff consultation the Board fired the Executive Artistic Director, and announced that the role would be split into two new positions: Artistic Director and Executive Director. The Board has retained an external firm (Griffith Group) to handle the hiring process.

Under this restructuring the role of Managing Director of Workman Arts is being dissolved, which means Scott is losing his job. He has been invited by the Board to re-apply for a position in the organization. We believe this is a mistake on the part of the Board, and discounts Scott’s longstanding dedication to the organization. The loss of Scott Miller Berry would be a loss for Workman Arts.

Scott has been with Workman Arts for the past 10 years and under his leadership the organization has continued to grow as a leader at the intersection of arts, mental health and addiction. A practicing filmmaker, Scott has endorsed Workman Arts through the Rendezvous With Madness Festival, traveling to various film festivals worldwide, pushing mental health awareness. He stepped up to lead the organization for most of 2022 after Kelly Straughan’s departure from the organization as Executive Artistic Director. He's also been the main person managing grants, financial audits, HR, equipment & facilities. His commitment to Workman Arts staff and the community has always been paramount, being the main point person staff can rely on, supporting every showcase the Education department presents, every annual Being Scene exhibition, every artist that walks through the office doors looking for support, and the list goes on. The Board of Directors has underestimated the love and support that this community has for Scott.

We believe Scott is the right person to lead Workman Arts as Artistic Director in this pivotal moment of change for the organization. Scott’s extensive experience in multidisciplinary arts management, unwavering commitment to equity and lived experience, and long-standing connection to the Workman Arts community make him uniquely qualified for this role. Scott has demonstrated not only exceptional leadership and creativity but also a sincere understanding of the artists and communities Workman Arts serves.

We urge you to sign the petition in support of Scott Miller Berry and help us ensure the continuity, vision, and values that have long defined Workman Arts. We are also accepting letters of support which would benefit the cause.

✉️ Send letters of support to lettersforscott@outlook.com
📢 Please share widely with your networks.

Together, let’s ensure that the future leadership of Workman Arts reflects the heart and integrity of the organization.