Artist As Leader Conversations

Thomas S. Kenan Institute

Artist As Leader Conversations

Through a series of interviews, the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts invites artists with diverse careers and experiences to reflect on how the creative process has helped them develop attributes of leadership such as vision, empathy, authenticity, persistence, patience, as well as the ability to listen deeply and to empower others.

Artist As Leader Podcast

Eric Gilbert

Musician Eric Gilbert discusses how years of touring trained him to develop and curate his vision for Treefort Music Fest, a weeklong festival showcasing artists and community in Boise, Idaho.

Lily Yeh

Lily Yeh, founder of Barefoot Artists, discusses how listening closely to and following her inner voice led her down an unforeseen artistic path and a new understanding of home, community and belonging.

Pierce Freelon

Pierce Freelon, composer, musician, producer and filmmaker, reflects on the leadership legacy left him by his artist parents and his cultural ancestry, and how he's absorbed those lessons to forge his own path.

Nikki Giovanni

Poet Nikki Giovanni shares the infectious love of life, learning, history and story-telling that have made her one of America's most beloved and admired poets.

Carmen Aguirre

Carmen Aguirre, Chilean-Canadian theatre artist and award-winning author, shares how her experiences as a Latina, a resistance fighter and a refugee have informed her artistry and leadership.

Chris Wells

Performer and writer Chris Wells talks about his work as Artistic Director (and founder) of The Secret City, and how his vision for a "church of art" has become a hub of community and creativity.

Wayne Price

Wayne Price, Tlingit master carver, discusses his lifelong passion for carving, his work with historic totem poles and oceangoing canoes, and his role as a community teacher, guide and healer.

Lucinda Hinojos

Muralist, painter and artivist Lucinda Hinojos talks about art and advocacy in her hometown of Phoenix and how the leadership skills she learned in the corporate world help drive her passion for change in the community.

Yazmany Arboleda

Artist and innovator Yazmany Arboleda talks about his work with community arts organizations and the interconnections between art-making, leadership and place.