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Leader Profiles
Jenna Knight
Program Assistant
Southern Arts Federation
Atlanta, Georgia
You mentioned that you've been able to keep your art alive while working in arts administration. How have you done that?
Though I never planned on it, I have been able to continue my own work as a dancer while embarking on a new path as an emerging arts administrator. I had always hoped that I would be able to balance life as a performer and arts administrator, but never really felt it to be an actual possibility. On a whim, I auditioned for brooks & company dance, a modern dance company in Atlanta, and was invited to join. Realizing that rehearsal times would directly conflict with my work schedule, I held on to this information for about two weeks and did nothing with it. I felt intimidated to approach the subject at all. After some self-motivation, I brought the idea to my supervisor who was immediately responsive, and helped guide me through the proper procedures to make it happen. As a result, I now work a flex-time schedule, allowing two mornings a week to be dedicated to company rehearsal. The only way I was able to navigate this scenario successfully was to be lucky enough to have an incredibly supportive and amazing supervisor, but also to build enough trust between my co-workers and me for this to become a reality. I make efforts to invite the entire Southern Arts Federation staff to performances, but maintain a sense of responsibility for my work, fully realizing that my professional life must take precedent over my artistic life if need be.
What was your most important "take away" from convention?
After attending my first Americans for the Arts convention in Vegas, I left feeling completely inspired and rejuvenated. For the first time, I was able to meet and engage with other young professionals who shared similar viewpoints, challenges, and thoughts as myself. Knowing that a strongly established network is available to those just beginning in the field of arts management lessens the intimidation factor I sometimes feel. The convention, specifically the keynote address, gave me some real perspective on my life as an active dancer and arts administrator. Whereas before, I consciously attempted to keep those worlds separate, as to not distract from my "real job," I now feel that my artistic temperament can only enhance the work I do as an arts administrator. Bringing the day-to-day functions of my position back to a creative center challenges and inspires me to see these tasks with fresh eyes.
You felt empowered by the discussions about leading from behind (or something to that effect—correct me if I'm wrong). How does that idea empower you?
The idea of leading with limited authority is one of those aforementioned challenges that I was intrigued with, but was unsure of the proper tools and actions needed to implement successfully. After attending that session, I was able to materialize some of these thoughts into real action plans. This idea empowers me because I feel it will enable me to continuously challenge myself creatively, and will hopefully aid in shaping the career path I envision for myself, one that entails utilizing past experiences to become the successful leader I hope to be.
Why do you think it's important to lead in that way?
It is important to lead in this way because it solidifies the idea that emerging arts leaders can contribute equally to an organization's journey, no matter what the infrastructure. It breaks down barriers, raises new questions, and empowers emerging professionals to continuously "up the ante" (had to throw in a Vegas reference somewhere!) for their own potential. Essentially, it eliminates excuses, and enables arts administrators at any career level to take charge and make change happen.
What learning opportunities are most important to you in this stage of your career? What role (if any) do colleagues and other people in your office play in that?
At this stage of my career, I am most interested in learning as much as I can about the fields of arts management that I know little about. Receiving a degree in a specialized area, (B.F.A. in arts management with a dance concentration) and coming from my own performance art background, there are many areas that I am unfamiliar with. Working for a regional arts organization like SAF, I am thrown out of my comfort zone everyday, working directly with traditional artists, presenting organizations, and independent filmmakers, just to name a few. While working directly with these constituents is an amazing learning opportunity in and of itself, I have been fortunate enough to have my colleagues and supervisor suggest professional development opportunities specifically in these areas that enhance my understanding of these worlds. The nature of my position with SAF is extremely adaptive, so I am always open to embrace new genres, management tools, and learning opportunities that come my way.
Please tell us about a transformational experience in your life that helped you develop your leadership skills, taught you about interacting effectively with other people, or in some way expanded your vision about your future and the kind of professional you want to become?
For me, working so closely with my supervisor Teresa Hollingsworth along with three other program directors simultaneously has completely changed my view of the type of leader I hope to become. In my short time with the Southern Arts Federation, I have seen how each director seamlessly integrates their own expertise into projects while also remaining open to innovative suggestions or ideas. Being able to work under four directors, each with their own unique leadership styles, has not only been a challenge, but has forced me to constantly adapt to evolving situations. I believe that from this experience I will be able to adopt aspects of each distinct leader to shape my own skills. By doing this I hope to become well-rounded and collaborative, two characteristics I feel are essential to becoming a successful future leader.
