Community builder highlights the power of local engagement

Tobias (Toby) Zikmund, studio art '22, is many things, but he prides himself most on being a community builder. He is the program manager for the North Dakota Council on the Arts, where he supports the work of artists and the role of the arts in the state he calls home. He also serves as the chair of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, where he advocates for the downtown Fargo residents because "through strong neighborhoods comes a strong city." 

BFA in Studio Art

Toby believes that the best way to make an impact is by connecting with others: "I exist in an ecosystem of people - largely in Fargo, but also statewide and around the world - who are driven, engaged, and work to improve their communities and causes as I strive to do."

When recommending Toby for the MSUM Foundation 10 under 10 award, former Minnesota State Moorhead professor Anna Arnar expressed how, from the start, Toby stood out to her as a natural-born leader.

"He genuinely enjoys working for and with people, leveraging his creativity and leadership skills to foster collaborative projects," Arnar says.

This past November, Toby launched a shared art studio with five other artists. He recognized a lack of space, so he used his organizational and administrative skills to tackle this problem, creating opportunities for himself and other young artists.

"I know my impact has been made by focusing on the individuals around me and being a constructive, positive force in the community," Toby says.