Voices of Vision: Tiffany Gaines

Tiffany's role allows her to follow her passions for inspiring agency, promoting accessibility and energizing an appreciation of the power of art.

Starting with a part-time position, Tiffany has been empowered over the past seven years at Burchfield Penney to grow into an integral leader of the museum and its off-site programming. She has learned to appreciate the power of her platform and use it as an agent for meaningful change in the community.

On a challenge you want to address ...

We are seeing growth in some areas in terms of development, but I would love to see economic growth extended to sustaining the infrastructure of people and communities that make the city rich.

Arts and culture are so essential to the fabric of our community, but the folks that make up those industries need to be able to live and sustain themselves in order for it to really thrive. So how can we see growth in affordability and the ability for people to make a living wage working in the arts and cultural sector?

Needs from current leaders?

I think that there are a lot of lessons that can be learned from looking at the past. From the older generation, I would look for an openness to share and provide guidance, advice and wisdom, but then being open to trying new things and knowing when it’s OK to take a step back.

It’s important to allow my generation to take the reins and maybe do things in a way that haven’t been done previously but are still grounded in those histories or precedents while also being more responsive to what the community needs in this day and age.

Why it’s important to be an active participant?

It’s more than about being seen – seeing is so important as well. Talking to people helps with that awareness of what’s going on around you so that you can respond in a way that feels relevant and authentic. It keeps you on the cutting edge of what’s happening, the conversations that are being had and how communities are growing or changing.

On embracing leadership ...

For a long time, I shied away from this vision that Scott has had of me being a leader. But I think that one thing I’ve learned along the way is the importance of really giving yourself the space to understand and know how to trust your voice and your vision.

I think we can all bring our unique perspectives, skills and talents into making our community a better place and making our own mark in building a more sustainable, equitable future.