In separate e-mail messages, Grant and the resort said they were parting ways because Grant's position was cut to streamline the organization.

During a meeting with Sundance founder Robert Redford on Monday, Grant said, Redford "let me know it wasn't looking good for the level of programming" the resort currently features. "The position, as well as, for all intents and purposes, the programming department, was going to be eliminated."

During the 2002 Olympics, Grant oversaw the Cultural Olympiad, which brought dancers, musicians and other artists to Utah during the Games. He plans to return to a previous career acting as a consultant to arts and cultural organizations until the next opportunity comes along.

Before he came to Utah, the native New Yorker worked for the Disney Institute, the Tisch Center for the Arts in New York City and the American Symphony. It's not clear how the programming cuts will affect cultural events at the resort, which during Grant's tenure has hosted public events featuring authors, scientists and artists as well as traditional resort fare.

Resort spokeswoman Lucy Ridolphi said Shoshanna Ackerman, programs manager at the resort, will oversee future events. "Programming is going to continue onward, and things are already in place, so we'll continue on with that," Ridolphi said. "People should expect the same level of programming."

Grant doesn't think that's going to happen. "Without a dedicated programming team, it's going to be hard to continue with the same kind of programming," Grant said.

Grant says he has no hard feelings and a statement issued by the resort said management was "deeply grateful to Ray Grant for his dedication, creativity and commitment."

"These are business deciÂsions," Grant said. "I wish it would have favored the creative side, not the development side. . . . let's hope that legacy that began under my reign can continue."