Leadership in the arts is about more than achieving outcomes; it’s about how we approach the work, who we include, and the impact we leave behind. For me, this means grounding everything I do in a set of core values that prioritize accessibility, equity, collaboration, and care. These values shape how I engage with others, build programs, and advocate for a more inclusive arts ecosystem.
Art has the potential to transform lives and communities, but only when it is accessible, equitable, and deeply connected to the people it seeks to serve. This is not a static process. It requires reflection, humility, and a willingness to evolve. Below, I’m sharing the core values that guide my work as an artist, educator, and arts leader—and how I strive to embody them with intention and care.
1. Accessibility and Equity: A Living Practice
Accessibility and equity are at the heart of everything I do. The arts, when fully accessible, can be a powerful force for connection and belonging. But accessibility is not a checklist; it is an ongoing commitment to identifying and addressing the barriers—physical, mental, financial, educational, and systemic—that prevent people from fully participating in the arts.
Centering People: At its core, accessibility is about honoring the people we serve. It’s about listening to their needs, valuing their experiences, and recognizing that accessibility must evolve with and for the communities it seeks to include.
• Physical Accessibility: Physical spaces must be intentionally designed to welcome all bodies. This includes wheelchair-accessible entrances, clear signage, adjustable seating, and sensory-friendly environments. Art spaces should be places where everyone can move freely, experience fully, and feel at ease.
• Mental Accessibility: Accessibility also means creating environments that honor mental and emotional needs. This includes offering trauma-informed practices, quiet spaces for those who need them, and clear communication for neurodiverse individuals. It’s about creating a culture of understanding and respect, where all minds are valued.
• Equity in Education and Resources: Systemic barriers often prevent individuals from accessing the tools and knowledge needed to participate in the arts. I strive to create programs that don’t require prior art education or financial privilege to engage. Clear language, sliding-scale fees, free resources, and intentional outreach are all ways I work to address these gaps.
• Belonging and Representation: Accessibility isn’t just about removing barriers—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. Representation matters. People need to see themselves reflected in the work on display and feel like they are part of the conversation. By centering underrepresented voices and honoring diverse perspectives, we create spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Accessibility and equity require constant reflection and action. It’s not about perfection; it’s about listening, learning, and striving to do better every day.
2. Collaboration and Community: Building Together
Art doesn’t happen in isolation. It thrives in connection—with people, communities, and ideas. Collaboration is at the core of my work because I believe that the most meaningful outcomes emerge when we come together.
Collaboration isn’t just about working with others; it’s about valuing their contributions and creating space for shared ownership. Whether building a program with a team of educators, curating a group exhibition, or forming partnerships between organizations, I approach every collaboration with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to mutual growth.
Fostering Community: Building community is about more than producing art—it’s about creating networks of care and support that sustain the work over time. This means sharing knowledge and resources, uplifting others’ ideas, and fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
In an arts ecosystem that often fosters competition over collaboration, I strive to reject the scarcity mindset. There is enough space for all of us to thrive, and by working together, we can build systems that are stronger and more equitable than anything we could create alone.
3. Experimentation and Innovation: Inviting Discovery
Experimentation is the heartbeat of creative practice. It’s about asking “What if?” and following that question wherever it leads. For me, experimentation is not just a method—it’s a value. It invites discovery, embraces risk, and opens the door to new possibilities.
Centering Process: In my studio, experimentation means immersing myself in materials, processes, and techniques without the pressure of a defined outcome. It’s about letting the materials guide the work and allowing curiosity to lead the way.
In leadership, experimentation means reimagining how things are done. It might mean trying new ways to engage audiences, redesigning traditional formats, or exploring interdisciplinary collaborations. True innovation isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating space for bold ideas, iterative learning, and discovery.
Experimentation isn’t just about creating something new; it’s about opening yourself to the unexpected and inviting others to do the same.
4. Sustainability: Creating Lasting Impact
The arts deserve systems that are built to last—financially, socially, and environmentally. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s about creating structures that support artists, organizations, and communities in meaningful, long-term ways.
Caring for People: Social sustainability starts with people. This means creating work environments that prioritize well-being, fairness, and respect for all involved. Sustainability isn’t sustainable if it comes at the cost of burnout or exploitation.
Designing for the Future: Financial sustainability means building funding models and programs that can adapt over time, ensuring longevity without sacrificing equity or accessibility. This requires planning, transparency, and a willingness to innovate.
Honoring the Environment: Environmental sustainability is also critical. As an artist and leader, I strive to make intentional choices about materials, processes, and practices that minimize harm while maximizing impact.
Sustainability is about thinking holistically—considering how the work we do today can support the people and communities of tomorrow.
Why Values Matter in Arts Leadership
Leadership in the arts is about people. It’s about centering accessibility, equity, and care in everything we do—recognizing that the arts can only thrive when they truly include everyone. These values are not static; they are living, breathing commitments that evolve with each new conversation, challenge, and opportunity.
My hope is that by sharing these values, I can spark dialogue, build connections, and contribute to a future where the arts are a force for transformation, connection, and belonging.
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