We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cicely Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cicely below.
Hi Cicely, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being a young black female curator, I have learned that my voice is influential and needed in the spaces that I enter. As a young person in the Arts I bring a fresh perspective of what new concepts and ideas matter most to the climate of our nation. Mental health, self-care, and interpersonal relationships are just a few areas in which I plan to change the narrative that most of America sees young people as. I’ve learned that the best way to go about presenting creative, impactful dialogue is to find the artists that share the same drive for their community as I do. It is important to me that I represent not only my generation but my culture as best as I can.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the Exhibitions Director at the Kansas City Artists Coalition. My role is to curate, educate, and develop the exhibitions program to drive awareness, growth, and sales for our local creative community. I curate about 20 exhibitions a year at the Coalition’s galleries 2 of which are annual. I also assist our Programs Director in Curation Services, where we source local artists to fill the spaces of local businesses in KC. The most exciting or special part of my job, to me, is meeting and learning about the many talented artists right here in KC! As a high school senior, I always thought I would have to move away to see amazingly compelling artwork. However, through internships and now curatorial work, I can confidently say that the KC Arts Scene is filled with many underrated, fascinating artists. Currently at the Coalition, we are prepping for our 41st Annual Art Auction Benefit. Each year almost 200 artists donate a work of art to the Coalition to help us keep all our events free and open to the public. The Auction Preview fills the walls at the gallery and it’s one of our most sought-after shows.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three skills that were most impactful on my journey: Confidence
Time Management
Selflessness
Confidence is the main reason why I have such strong relationships with the patrons, artists, and collectors I interact with. They respect and appreciate an individual who knows themselves, as well as has a strong confidence in the organization.
Time Management is a growing skill for me. But I have learned that prioritizing tasks is extremely important in Arts Administration. Your audience and community should always be the number 1 priority when developing and creating programming.
As a curator working with talented artists, there is no room for biasness or projection. I have to be selfless as I am dealing with other’s creativity and careers. This is also important to me as a visual artist.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents could’ve done for me was their support. No matter the direction I wanted to head in, or the career I chose, my parents have always been my number 1 supporters. They aren’t afraid to see me fail and it is their unwavering encouragement that pushes me to always go harder.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: cicely.jones
