Page 24 - APAP Inside Arts - Spring 2020
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MPW: The theme for APAP|NYC 2020 is risk and resilience. What does that mean for the field?
MGD: It’s about vulnerability. We do really hard jobs, and they’re very precarious. I think it’s important
for other leaders to know about the value
of vulnerability. It’s not: When you
reach a position, vulnerability goes away. Vulnerability doesn’t go away. It can get harder, but we
all can have it in common. If
you believe in what you are doing, stick with it, because we all share some dread. It’s important to realize that is a normal feeling. You can work through it.
AM: What are the challenges for your successor?
MGD: Running a service organization is a
unique experience because you have to feel rewarded
by the work you do, because it’s not sexy and there’s no big show. We do our conference and people are happy at
the conference, and that makes me happy. But it’s unlike presenting, where you work with artists directly toward a culmination of a project where the curtain goes up
and it’s both a joy and a catharsis. With service organizations, the highest level satisfaction
is more of a continuum. You have to have an inner sense of reward,
because there are not a lot of curtain-raising moments. This
is the kind of joy you get here: The Doris Duke Foundation is going to give us millions of
dollars to continue a great program. It’s funny, but it’s also really true because that
kind of work is hard and super diplomatic.
MPW: What’s next for you?
MGD: I don’t know what’s next. Ultimately, I turn 65 this year, so I can retire,
and my partner Craig and I have been in discussions about what the next steps will be. I can retire, but I just don’t want to. I want to serve.
Celebrate Mario’s Legacy
Join fellow APAP members in honoring his leadership and legacy by supporting APAP in one of three ways!
Make a one-time donation in honor of Mario’s legacy.
Donate to the Mario’s Legacy General Operations Fund at donate.apap365.org
Make a gift of stock.
Contact Krista Bradley, Director of Programs and Resources at kbradley@apap365.org for more information.
Make a legacy gift by including APAP in your estate planning.
Contact Krista Bradley, Director of Programs and Resources at kbradley@apap365.org for more information.
MAKE A GIFT TO APAP!
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Visit donate.apap365.org.
22 INSIDE ARTS SPRING 2020
ADAM AND CHRISTY KISSICK/APAP
