Melodie Bahan was appointed Deputy Director of Explore Minnesota Film in June 2024, tasked with creating Minnesota's first state film office within Explore Minnesota Tourism.
From 2017 until 2024 she served as the Executive Director of MN Film & TV, where she led the efforts to establish both a film production tax credit program and Explore Minnesota Tourism, with a vision for renewed growth for Minnesota's industry and economic development and job growth for the state.
Previously, she served as the Vice President of Communications for Artspace, the nation’s leading developer of affordable space for artists, where she developed an integrated strategic communications plan to advance Artspace’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its projects and priorities; and increase the visibility of its projects. She also served as leader of community engagement activities in numerous cities throughout U.S., developing relationships with artists, funders, government officials, and community stakeholders.
She also served as the Director of Communications for the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, overseeing all media relations, publications, and online content during a time of major growth for the Theater. She supervised press relations for all aspects of the Theater, including the work on the stage as well as the construction and opening of the new Jean Nouvel-designed Guthrie on the banks of the Mississippi River. Prior to joining the Guthrie, Melodie lived in New York, where she served as the president of the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women and worked in New York City government and on political campaigns.
