“A warm wind was coming in from the south, and it carried with it the strange, wistful scent of violets.” – Ottessa Moshfegh in Lapvona

Ryan is a researcher and artist who joined Wilder in 2013. He specializes in consulting projects that focus on the arts, culture, and disability, and is especially skilled in qualitative and participatory methods.

Ryan’s work focuses on impact evaluation, community inclusion, and strategy development. He has led numerous projects in the arts and culture sector, including with the American Swedish Institute, Arts Midwest, Children’s Theatre Company, Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, the Folk Arts & Cultures program at Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, MacPhail Center for Music, Minnesota State Arts Board, Mixed Blood Theatre, the Native American Artist-in-Residence program at Minnesota Historical Society, Theater Mu, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz, and more.

Ryan holds a master’s degree in applied anthropology and community arts from the University of London – Goldsmiths College and a bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology and theater from St. Olaf College. He has completed additional graduate-level coursework in strategic planning, participatory research, and nonprofit financial management.

Outside of Wilder, Ryan runs Recreation Arts, a participatory music group that recreates “aging” as an opportunity for connection and creative exploration. He was a teaching artist with Upstream Arts until the organization’s closure, where he led arts-based social-emotional learning in special education classrooms and adult day centers.