I am passionate about building community. During my tenure on the Board of Directors for the Black Rock Arts Foundation - the subsidiary of the Burning Man Project - I became a big believer in the vision that community-driven, inclusive, and interactive art is vital to a thriving culture, and is also a means to empower individuals.
It's my opinion that the best projects for the community are the ones the community raises as a need. With that in mind, I am thrilled to be part of the Performing Arts Initiative primarily because it is directly responding to a need in the Gorge. A facility such as the one proposed is much more than just a venue, it is a place to gather as a community, which in my opinion, is essential for a healthy, vibrant community.
To quote Madonna, “Music makes the people come together.”