Who Is?

This question reminds me of ‘Che gelida manina’, an aria from Puccini’s “La Bohème“, where the male protagonist, a poet, answers it with a glorious understatement, accentuated by an almost triumphant cadence. The poignancy lies in the understatement, juxtaposed with the ‘forte’ of the music. Now, what does this thought have to do with the cold, hard facts about who I am?

Our thoughts shape our actions and they, in turn, shape our reality. So, when it comes to introducing myself, it might be more interesting to discuss ideas and concepts instead of a biography that anyone with access to the web could access.

I have never looked at the various factions of the arts as separate entities. Naturally, in the performing arts there is an element of time needed to experience it, whereas in the visual arts the impact is almost instant. Another distinction is the impermanence of the created work. Without the aid of recording devices, once a performance concludes, it vanishes, whereas a painting, a sculpture, a mosaic, have a more permanent, physical existence. As different as the various disciplines are, it always felt quite natural for me to combine them and to strive towards curating accessible, multi-art and multi-sensory experiences.

To me, art is the mortar of humanity and as such, it is also political. At the very least, its potential is to be political, since creating is in the moment, reflecting on the current times. Could art even assume a position of neutrality? Hasn’t art always been a catalyst or set the pace for progress? These questions lead me to examine the role of an artist in society throughout history and consequently, the role an organization like WADA must play in its community.

WADA’s initial mission of creating a sustainable and nurturing environment for a community of artists has been expanded to champion arts education programs for our immediate neighbors on the historic Deuces Corridor and beyond. With new collaborations and initiatives, an expansive membership model, and continued campus improvements, it is my goal to advance the organization, ‘carrying the torch’ for the entire Warehouse Arts District.

These thoughts may give some insight into who I am within the context of the organization and our community. However, if my words do not answer this question at the end of these paragraphs, then a quote from Bertold Brecht’s “The Good Woman of Setzuan” comes to mind:

Markus Gottschlich

Executive Director

515 22nd St South St Petersburg FL 33712 WADAStPete.org Markus@WADAStPete.org 727-289-1420

Photo credit: Robert Sinnhuber