Ryan Landis new Ucross residency manager

Ryan Landis, an opera singer who also has experience in arts administration, has been named the new manager of the Ucross artist residency program.

Landis joins Ucross after 15 years working with nonprofit organizations in the arts and higher education, including the Tuscaloosa Symphony, the Starkville-MSU Symphony, Mississippi State University and, most recently, the Whitney Center for the Arts at Sheridan College where he was the performing arts and concert hall coordinator.

Sheridan Dynak, Ucross president and executive director, said Ucross is one of the nation’s preeminent artist residency programs, and Landis will help the program to continue offering a high-level experience yo resident artists from around the world.

As a performer and assistant director, Landis has worked with the Red River Lyric Opera, Natchez Festival of Music, the Black Hills Playhouse, Tuscaloosa Symphony and the University of Alabama Opera Theater.

He holds a doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Alabama with an emphasis in vocal performance.

He said he is thrilled to be joining Ucross as the residency manager. He said he has always felt that the creative process needs time and space to truly blossom, and he’s excited by the ability to provide both to the residents at Ucross.

Since 1983, Ucross has provided uninterrupted time, studio space and living accommodations to over 2,500 artists, awarding residencies to 100 artists each year. Ten artists are in residence at a time, typically a mix of four visual artists, four writers and two composers.