We are pleased to share that the Board of Directors of Radiant Hall has announced unanimous approval of Marina Balko as its Executive Director following an extensive national search led by Good Insight.

In early 2021, Radiant Hall announced that founder and Executive Director Ryan Lammie planned to depart in November 2021 to focus on his creative practice. Ms. Balko’s appointment concludes a six-month search process led by Good Insight, and starting in September she and Mr. Lammie will work closely together for the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.

“We are thrilled to welcome Marina to Radiant Hall,” said Rick Belloli, President of Radiant Hall’s Board of Directors. “She brings remarkable experience at esteemed art organizations AS220 in Providence and ACRE in Chicago and expertise in property management and community development. Pairing these skills with her perspective as a Pittsburgh native, it was clear that she is an ideal choice to lead Radiant Hall into its next chapter. I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to my colleagues on the Search Committee for their thoughtfulness and commitment to this process, as well as the Radiant Hall Studio Directors and staff who have so well navigated this transition period.”

In her new role, Balko will bring new vision to Radiant Hall, help the organization reach its full potential to preserve studio space, build its visibility, and find new ways to support the community and engage new audiences.

“I’m so honored to have the opportunity to lead Radiant Hall at this critical juncture in time,” said Ms. Balko. “The level of genuine care and warmth I’ve experienced so far in the organization has been incredible. I look forward to working with the artists, staff, and board to continue to build a welcoming, supportive, and vibrant arts community.”

About Marina Balko

Marina Balko joins Radiant Hall from the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, where she served as Director of Economic Development since 2020. She brings extensive leadership experience in the creative sector, including as Operations Director of AS220, an award-winning multidisciplinary arts organization in Providence, RI. During her six-year tenure at AS220, Marina handled administration, designed residency programs for artists and arts administrators and managed AS220’s multiple properties for creative businesses, live/work spaces, community studios, educational programming, galleries and performance venues.

In addition to her work at AS220, Marina served as Head Chef for Artists’ Cooperative Residency and Exhibitions (ACRE) in Chicago, IL, and a number of other arts administrative roles include the Providence Children’s Film Festival and Pittsburgh Filmmakers. Her work as an artist includes the disciplines of film and video production, costume design, and dance. Marina has a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MBA from the University of Rhode Island. A Pittsburgh native and a graduate of the Pittsburgh CAPA, she now lives in Squirrel Hill with her husband and young daughter.

About Radiant Hall

Founded in 2012, Radiant Hall supports Pittsburgh’s community of artists by creating and preserving affordable studio space for working artists of all kinds. The mission is grounded in the belief that the preservation of space for artists is the foundation of any vibrant community. Radiant Hall has locations in Lawrenceville, Homewood, and McKees Rocks. Visit www.radianthall.org for more information.