Petoskey local, Blissfest talent buyer accepted into MCACA Rising Leaders program

PETOSKEY — Petoskey local and Blissfest Music Organization talent buyer Caroline Barlow was recently accepted into the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Rising Leaders program.

Barlow, who can be found behind the scenes of many Northern Michigan events as well as on a stage, is both a performing musician and music industry professional with over 10 years of work experience in community arts organizations.

She has previously worked with the Interlochen Arts Academy and has been with Blissfest since 2014 working hand in hand with previous organization director Jim Gillespie on programming and marketing. She also recently accepted a full-time position as its talent buyer under its new director Cindy McSurely. 

“Caroline is now the second person in Blissfest’s decades long-history to be responsible for curating and booking artists. I am eager to see how her ‘voice’ is reflected in future programming,” said McSurely. 

McSurely also noted that the timing for Barlow’s acceptance into this year’s Rising Leaders cohort couldn’t be better. 

“It’s an exciting time for both Blissfest and Caroline. I trust that she will contribute significantly to the cohort,” she said. “I have no doubt the skills and connections made through this program will help her as an arts professional.” 

The MCACA Rising Leaders program takes place over six months and engages in a series of activities that includes three main intensives focusing on self-awareness and self management, mutual influence and gaining tools to create communities 

Program participants from across the state are required to commit to three in-person meetings as well as individual work to gain tools and perspectives needed to strengthen their leadership skills and develop relationships while advancing the arts and culture field. 

The upcoming cohort Barlow will be taking part in starts in October and runs through April 2022. 

“I feel honored to have been selected for the Rising Leaders cohort,” said Barlow. “I look forward to connecting with arts peers across the state and am excited to take my role as an arts professional to the next level. Through this training, I'm sure I will learn great tools for honing in on that.”

More information on the MCACA Rising Leaders program can be found online at www.michiganbusiness.org and more information about the Blissfest Music Organization can be found online at www.blissfest.org.