Delighted to have you join 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee is your host with today’s guest André Mazelin, the Executive Director of Dance Place, a prominent dance presenting organization in Washington, D.C. With a strong background in arts leadership, André spearheads the development and expansion of Dance Place, focusing on strategic direction, talent acquisition, and legal matters. His extensive experience includes leadership roles at Creative Alliance, Motorhouse, and Prince George's Community College Center for Performing Arts. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, André is dedicated to supporting artists and fostering growth in the arts community.

In the course of this episode, we explore:

• Dance Place's journey as a grassroots organization that has played a pivotal role in uplifting emerging and mid-career artists in the vibrant arts scene.
• André's insights on the significance of offering artists the necessary organizational support to effectively manage the administrative aspects of their creative endeavors.
• The importance of creating a supportive workplace environment that acknowledges the emotional and mental well-being of employees, and how it contributes to effective leadership.
• André's perspective on the remarkable can-do attitude and limitless creative potential that artists bring to the table, and how fostering this spirit can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

André shares his journey from being a member of a hip-hop group to becoming an arts leader, and how he stumbled into the profession of arts management. He discusses the grassroots nature of Dance Place and the importance of supporting emerging and mid-career artists. André also reflects on the challenges and rewards of his role, emphasizing the need for artists to have organizational support and the importance of providing space for employees to navigate their emotions and mental health.

Interview conducted in November 2022.

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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