Making Space for Artists
Making Space for Artists
Talia Young
President and CEO, Newark Symphony Hall
When Talia Young stands under the magnificent concert hall chandelier in Newark Symphony Hall, its grandeur evokes both the sweep of NSH’s storied, artistic past, and the glorious responsibility she has to ensure that it remains a place for artists to thrive and the community to enjoy.
Like that chandelier, her job combines art and function. As she oversees the renovation of the Art Deco gem, she strives to make every inch of the building into a place that works for Newark, its artists and its residents. She originates arts/education programs, fosters partnerships with local organizations, expands access and affordability for artists, and brings in revenue with outside community programming.
Currently, NSH is running classes to train production assistants in film production and in scenic, lighting and sound production, creating a workforce pipeline for the flourishing New Jersey film industry. Next year they will open the Arts and Education Lab: 18,000 square feet of multi-purpose, art, theatre and music rooms on the fourth floor. They will offer more arts education, partner with schools, and expand their ability to provide affordable spaces to artists. They will also open their black box theatre to Newark School for the Arts, which will produce shows highlighting their students.
“What I am doing right now is not about right now.”
A classically trained dancer who worked as a performer and choreographer earlier in her career, Talia is thrilled she can facilitate artists to practice their passion. She believes in the transforming effect the arts have on individuals and on the community at large.
One of her biggest challenges is getting stakeholders to understand the cost and the value of NSH and its programs. “Nonprofits should not be broke,” she emphasizes. “The talent and the work and hours that go into creating art, offering education, and programming events have deep value, and that work should be valued at a rate on par with for-profit organizations.”
Conducting so much activity in the middle of a renovation might seem chaotic, but is essential. Their state funding has time limits and parameters for reporting, the economy is unpredictable, and their 100th anniversary is in 2025, providing a huge fundraising opportunity. But to Talia, it’s all exhilarating, not draining. Most importantly, she feels the full support of the community. “The city, people, the stakeholders, and other organizations like Audible and NJPAC, they all want NSH to succeed.” That support allows her to take the pressure in stride. She notes with a smile, “Pressure makes diamonds.”
Favorite Park:
Branch Brook Park. “It’s the calmest place in the whole city.”