“Choosing a favorite art form is like trying to choose your favorite child–I can’t do it.”

To say Troy Gagner, Executive Director of Lincoln Arts, is a fan of the arts is an understatement. While not alone in his appreciation for the creativity of the world, Troy is unique in his approach to sharing the arts with Lincoln, putting a focus on its potential for economic impact and community development. In fact, it is that potential that initially drew Troy to Lincoln Arts.

With degrees in journalism and community and regional planning from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Troy set out to share his leadership skills and background in economic development with the Lincoln community. For 20-plus years, Troy has done just that, holding various economic development and program leadership positions for a number of Lincoln organizations, including NMPP Energy and the USDA Rural Development State Office. Most notably, he served as the Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Lincoln’s Urban Development Department. When the opportunity arose to use the arts as a tool for community development, Troy made the leap to work with Lincoln Arts.

Since 2017 Troy has worked with us in a number of roles, starting as Development Director before transitioning to the Partnerships & Programs Director and ultimately the Executive Director in 2021. In the time since, he has inspired growth within the organization and the arts community through strategic planning, program development and expansion, arts advocacy, and so much more.

Troy explores the joys of music and visual arts by attending concerts, exhibitions, and other art events throughout Lincoln.