Thoughts on Arts, Culture, Museums, & Institutions

"You're so courageous". More than dinner small talk last week-a true reminder of how others see my deliberate decision to make the move. I'm flattered to hear these accolades-but in the end, it's how I chart this next phase of my journey that will count. As much as I try to move slowly, I seem to be off and running - the sense of urgency brings anxieties that I'll need help managing. Lots more to say-but I'm saving my energy for the next lap. Oh Lord have mercy. Courage and strength-In search of enlightenment.

History, culture, heritage. What have I learned? I must keep my head in the game so I can warn you children. Don’t be seduced by their words. Keep your head clear. Cause…“if they come for me in the morning, they will come for you in the night.” Angela Y. Davis

I've been working on the board of AmericansForTheArts.org for 20 years. A dear colleague told me after a recent board meeting that my comments regarding "cultural equity" were inspiring. Well I'm not sure anymore if I'm crying in the dark or actually making progress in this subject. Often seems like many, many years of participating in the equity conversation-it's still talk...talk...talk. Sigh! So now, after beating my head against the wall-sometimes yelling, fist pounding, and head shaking ...why/how is my current rhetoric on the subject of equity and inclusion (formerly known as equal opportunity); now aka "diversity"...considered "inspiring"? I'm weary. Just can't find the energy to stay in the conversation. You know- "young girls (and mature women) they do get weary"...Otis Redding (circa 1966) "wearing that same old shaggy dress", pushing the field of arts administration up this ever-steep hill of inclusion. "You know she's waiting Just anticipating For things that she'll never, never, never, never possess... It's not just sentimental, no, no, no She has her grief and care, yeah yeah yeah But the soft words, they are spoke so gentle, yeah It makes it easier, easier to bear." Inclusion - still an aspiration. Maybe I should try a little tenderness. MJR

Oh friends- This weekend I've been reflecting on the amazing tenacity and love of life solidly modeled for us by the great B. B. King. His lyrics teach us much--and no the blues "ain't just for folks from Mississippi"! Likewise stamina isn't just something that comes from wishful thinking-we have to work hard so that we can work harder. In our case, we stand tall so that our children never have to stoop. But standing tall does not mean being boastful or brutal or unkind. Ever. Standing tall means being generous, prepared and humble. The King of the Blues -genius as he was-talked about practicing the scales late at night when everyone else slept. " I wonder where I was when talent was being passed out"' So-reflect on what tenacity looks like in your life, and in your life's work- "I think I've done the best I could have done. But I keep wanting to play better, go further. There are so many sounds I still want to make, so many things I haven't yet done. When I was younger I thought maybe I'd reached that peak. But I'm 86 now, and if I make it through to next month, I'll be 87. And now I know it can never be perfect, it can never be exactly what it should be, so you got to keep going further, getting better." B.B. King Margie Johnson Reese

Friends - I spent much of this weekend thinking about the ongoing contributions to my life made my long time friends and colleagues in this Dallas arts community. I know that I have shared with many of you how much I learned from the arts pioneers in Dallas - Plato Karayanis at the Dallas Opera, Ann Williams at Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dr. Robinson, Mayor Annettte Strauss, Paul Baker, Dr. Mamie McKnight, Dr. Yvonne Ewell, Robyn Flatt and so many other names that you have heard in passing-but may not have a connection with. But I learned much for everyone on this all too short list. In my early days as a costume designer - another Dallas legend have me a shot that probably helped me gain confidence as a practicing artist in this crazy arts community - Jac Alder. I designed a full show at Theatre Three - my first - and that opportunity (mid-1970something) was an important rung on the ups and down ladder of my modest attempts to be an "artist"! Jac is pretty sick right now - and I wanted to reflect a bit on the idea that we really don't know what we do for people when we have faith in them - and we let them know that we trust them. So - thinking good thoughts for our friend Jac this morning and sharing these words of Emerson with you as you get started this week. Let someone know that you trust them and give a shout-out to a child, a colleague, a family member or friend that let's them know that their gifts are important and worth taking a risk on them. "To laugh often and love much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approbation of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to give of one's self, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--that is to have succeeded.” --Ralph W. Emerson Have a great week people! MJR -- ------------------------------------------ Margie Johnson Reese Principal Consultant MJR Partners - Arts Management Services 818.879.3564 [email protected] Tumblr: tumblr.margiejohnsonreese.com Twitter: @margiereese Google+: plus.margiejohnsonreese.com

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I needed some time off! Away from the art makers, policy makers, FB devils and Angels...and all the lovely folks wanting to "pick my brain". Can't remember the last time I set out on a road trip with no arts agenda! How about I enjoy the traditions of family? Cousins gathering; card games; Final Four; wine; my sister's amazing cooking; my nephew's dog-playing with my dog; and my brothers and sisters-just happy to see me. Spring break- Mind at ease, remembering... Body at rest, fresh air... Soul fulfilled, love is simple. So worth it-

Working on the Arts and Cultural a Plan for Houston. This commuting thing isn't so bad--but the vocabulary is almost unbearable. Example (s): Outreach Capacity building Multicultural Major institutions Stake holder Community engagement Tourism Philanthropy ...and you all know how I feel about " "passion" Mine what you say! And one for you to ponder-diversity! "Diversity is easy to achieve- Inclusion is much harder."

Every city has its own culture-approaches support for cultural expression in a variety of ways. Tangible and intangible cultural legacies make up that identity. Participate, protect, and advocate for a true representation of the unnamed contributors to the creative legacies in the town where you have been planted. The statue in the town square; the contemporary mural in the alley-both deserve protection.

Margie Reese [email protected]

The mentor/protege relationship takes on the personalities of those involved in the dance. The partnership is best nurtured with surprisingly and interchangeable leadership. Makes for easier nest-caping! I'm watching two of my most beloved human beings leave the nest. I'm in awe of their confidence and demeanor--and their love for life. A mentors dream. It's happening.

About this time every year I retreat to Colorado. No-not to hike or ski-but to meet wonderful, sometimes shy, always courageous young arts leaders from the west. It does for me in the Fall-what Gougher College does for me in the summer! Rejuvenated my spirits in the most rewarding ways. Now-I need to go back to my son's idea about a virtual arts administration learning lab-where I could connect all my students and protégés from Texas to Timbuktu; from Kansas to Korea and Denton to Dubai! The dream classroom. Hmmm. Just saying! Bravo to all those young minds around the world who make art, protect art and bring the arts and audiences together!