Additional key appointments announced for new initiative funded by $32 million Lilly grant
Belmont University today announced the appointment of Rick Rekedal as executive director of the University’s new Christianity and the Arts Initiative, funded by a $32 million grant from Lilly Endowment. The grant supports efforts to inspire people from all walks of life to discover and live the beauty and wisdom of the Christian story and encounter God through the arts.
In his role as executive director, Rekedal will provide strategic direction for the initiative and its leadership team, oversee the operational and sub-granting budget, coordinate the advisory board, provide creative direction of key programs and build a nationwide network.
“The arts are the core mode of human expression, revealing hidden truths, fostering reconciliation and offering hope and healing in a world increasingly isolated and polarized,” said Rekedal. “With the challenges facing the world today, we believe the truth, beauty and goodness the arts help express is needed for such a time as this. I am thrilled to see the vision for this initiative come to life and am excited to develop this initiative at Belmont.”
Rekedal, who holds a residency at the University as senior fellow for storytelling, begins his new role immediately. His award-winning career includes more than two decades at DreamWorks Animation where he served as chief creative, global franchises working on projects including “Kung Fu Panda,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Trolls,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “Saving Private Ryan,” among many others. After his time at DreamWorks, Rekedal served as EVP of global marketing and branding at Breyer and founded StoryCrate. Most recently, he served as president and acting CEO of Christian publisher David C Cook.
“Belmont has always been a place that attracts exceptional people of purpose and character with a creative, entrepreneurial mindset,” said Vice President for Imagination, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Sarah Cates. “It’s our great honor and joy to welcome Rick Rekedal, a leading expert at multiple intersections of the project, to launch and lead this transformational opportunity. Not only does Rick have a distinct combination of skills and experiences, he also has the heart to back it all up with a true passion to see people flourish.”
Additional appointments for the initiative include Dr. Steve Guthrie, who will serve as senior fellow and play a crucial role in the development, launch and implementation of the initiative. Guthrie will provide leadership and guidance for the team where he will advise on content and curriculum. Guthrie is known across the country for his expertise and thought leadership on the intersection of faith and the arts. He will continue his faculty appointment within Belmont’s School of Theology and Christian Ministry where he has taught for nearly 20 years.
Virginia Ezell Briley has been named external engagement and creative strategist where she will serve as key relationship manager and provide support to the initiative through communications and partnership events. Briley will also hold a portfolio of special projects that will help shape the creativity and work of the initiative. Prior to being named external engagement and creative strategist, Briley worked closely with Cates through the grant proposal process.
David Minnigan, who joined Belmont formally in the summer of 2023 as Architect in Residence and immediately started working with the grant planning team, will continue his work with the Initiative as a thought leader helping guide intersections of faith-inspired art and architecture. Minnigan, a leading architect who is connected to organizations and individuals who are doing Christ-centered work across the US, will take the lead on projects that consider the role of faith-inspired art in the design of space and places.
“This incredible opportunity to launch a meaningful nationwide initiative is an important moment in the life of Belmont University,” said Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “It’s essential that we have a strong team that will serve as the foundation for what this work will go on to do. I am grateful to have Rick Rekedal leading this growing team of fantastic professionals who will oversee this initiative and the impact it will have on so many communities.”
Additional job opportunities with the grant are available at belmont.edu/hr.