Welcome, Patrick Calder-Carriere!

Region 2 Arts Council has gone through a large change over the past few months. Laura Seter, the Executive Director for the past 13 years, has moved on to other adventures. As such, Region 2 would like to introduce members of the public to our new Executive Director, Patrick Calder-Carriere!

Patrick Calder-Carriere returned to the Bemidji area and joined the Region 2 Arts Council in July of 2024. He was a Professor of Theater, Creative Writing, and English in the Minnstate system for 2 decades.  Patrick’s passion for the arts has led him to perform and study in Greece, Cyprus, China, Japan, Russia, and England.  One highlight of his career is the 8 years he worked with the Thunderbird Theater at Haskell Indian Nations University where he witnessed how the arts bring together communities, celebrate culture, and create conversations. Patrick holds a Ph.D. in Dramatic History and Criticism and a Master’s degree in Theater/International Theater from the University of Kansas, a Master’s degree in English Literature/Composition from Minnesota State University – Mankato, and Bachelor’s degrees in Theater and Education from Bemidji State University,  and Biology from Carleton College.