“I envision an organization that listens well, responds with compassion, and partners with artists in ways that are meaningful to them.”
Published: December 3, 2020
Categories: Fall Campaign | Featured
We asked Artist Trust staff & board about the lessons they’ve learned this year, their vision for 2021, and the future of Artist Trust.
Brooke Kiener, Artist Trust Board Member, and a Spokane resident shares her thoughts below. Consider making a year-end gift in support of Artist Trust at https://artisttrust.org/donate/.
What is your role at Artist Trust and what do you enjoy about it?
I joined the Artist Trust board a little over a year ago, and despite recent challenges, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have loved expanding my exposure to artists all across the state of Washington, and I deeply admire everyone on our board and working on the staff. It is inspiring to say the least.
How are you involved in the arts?
I was a theatre-maker and educator for most of my career, and recently took an administrative leadership position at the university where I am on faculty. I am also on the board for Spokane Arts, which keeps me in the loop with the arts scene here in Spokane.
What has 2020 taught you both personally and professionally?
I think I will have a much better perspective on that question once we are out of the trenches. There is still so much adaptation and shape-shifting going on. I’m sure I’m learning to be more nimble and flexible, more open-minded, and more compassionate. I think I’m also learning about how difficult uncertainty is for human beings, just how primal the need for predictability is.
How will you carry those lessons into 2021?
I’m not sure I want to go back to “normal” though I also don’t have a strong sense of what the “new normal” will look like. And I’m actually pretty okay with that. I think there is a lot of re-writing happening right now, and I am content to let others author what comes next.
What excites you about what you’ve learned/the changes Artist Trust has made or will make?
Everything at Artist Trust feels very vital and engaged right now. All of the contributions that people are making to shape the organization are exciting to me.
What is your vision for a stronger Artist Trust?
I envision an organization that listens well, responds with compassion, and partners with artists in ways that are meaningful to them.
