Today we’d like to introduce you to Kitty Goddard.
Kitty, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The seed for AIR was planted when a women’s chorus was seeking a space to rehearse in Richardson and couldn’t find one that fit their needs. Two of the members of that choir began a search, and as that evolved, more and more artists came forward expressing their need for space, too. The two founders took the concept to the next level by creating the nonprofit.
As AIR developed and began to gather momentum within the art and creative community, we quickly discovered the importance of being a well-developed and soundly designed nonprofit entity. Many hours of professional development and enrichment have been dedicated to moving AIR down its path.
AIR is actively seeking a space for these artists to use whether for teaching, rehearsing or performing. AIR’s Mission is to provide the Richardson community with an affordable facility and resources for nurturing artists and innovative thinkers; and igniting a spirit of creativity that permeates our entire community.
The Vision: Once a community has been exposed to this artistic synergy, the good that can be wrought is beyond measure. It infuses every fiber of our lives with creativity and ardor—our schools, our businesses, our charities, our homes…our hearts.
The situation for AIR, as with many nonprofits, is the need to raise funds to support securing a physical space and the challenge of trying to do that without an actual space as the goal. Donors are hesitant to give to a concept. So, we’re sort of in a catch-22 situation. We need a champion, beyond ourselves, to promote the mission and aid in bringing in the big bucks! We know there are like-minded people out there. It’s just a matter of connecting to them. So, our story is told many times and in many places with the intent that eventually AIR will make that invaluable connection. We already KNOW the value of what we are doing to the community – personally, socially, and the economic and educational impacts.
AIR hosts multiple art events throughout the year including PopUP art exhibits, Ricochet Arts & Music Festival, and multiple partnerships with businesses and other organizations.
Major programming is through AIR Time, a guest artist interview series held at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Richardson. The guest artist is interviewed (and audio recorded for podcasting later), then a movie is shown that pertains to the guest artist. Reservations are $5 but include a $5 voucher good towards food and beverage at the event.
Funding has been consistent from the City of Richardson Cultural Arts Commission, through North Texas Giving Day, and individual donors.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggle to connect funding and a physical space is ongoing. Donors are hesitant to give to a concept but how can you get a building without someone’s giving you money?
Yes, it’s an ongoing struggle as we really want to have that space and provide artists and creatives with the type environment they need and want to create, nurture and support their efforts and provide even more opportunities for other creatives.
Please tell us about AIR (Arts Incubator of Richardson).
One of the things that sets AIR apart from many arts nonprofits is that everything AIR does is collaborative. AIR will never do anything independently and we always find ways to bring in new partners, artists and other creatives.
Also, we make sure that artists are paid for their art and time. We do not ask them to “give for free.”
AIR has also been a major driver in helping to deliver the message that the arts create a major economic impact in our area. The impact within the Richardson area, according to 2015 statistics gathered by the Americans for the Arts Economic Impact Study, was approximately $12,000,000. This included expenditures by both the arts organizations and the audiences.
The AIR Time podcasts have been downloaded by more than 7,000 listeners from more than 137 countries.
AIR is also recognized for presenting different events that incorporate non-standard artists and creatives, therefore providing more unique cultural experiences.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My mother’s degree was in piano performance. After graduation she was asked to present many different concerts and recitals. She would rehearse on a wonderful grand piano in the music room at my grandparents’ home, and I would stand outside on the porch and listen where there were tall windows with wide brick windowsills. Then, as her practice continued and I became more familiar with the music, I would “play” the windowsill pretending that I was making that beautiful sound. I wanted to be just like her.
That entry into the world of music did lead me to piano, flute and voice. All three have sustained me throughout my life in myriad ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artsincubatorrichardson.org
- Phone: 972-690-1355
- Email: info@artsincubatorrichardson.org
- Instagram: AIR4arts
- Facebook: AIR4arts
- Twitter: AIR4arts
- Other: YouTube – AIR4arts
Image Credit:
Kathy Tran, Claire Williams, Liz Conrad
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