TACA Arts Insider with Caroline Kim
How did your journey in the arts begin? Was there a defining moment that shaped your perspective, and is there an art form that feels especially personal to you?
I was very fortunate to land my first professional job at the Dallas Museum of Art during a period of extreme growth. The DMA was celebrating its 100th birthday and we stayed open for 100 hours – with programming throughout the night. I had never seen the museum so full of people. I didn’t know at the time what Development was, or what fundraising entailed, but I quickly experienced first-hand how connecting people with the arts can be life-changing for a community. It was also at the DMA that I first saw Matisse’s “Ivy in Flower” on view as a child on a school field trip – that was my Ferris Bueller at the Art Institute of Chicago moment! The impact of early, consistent exposure to the arts cannot be understated.
Looking back on the past year, was there an arts experience in Dallas that stood out to you? What made that experience so meaningful to you?
I have enjoyed bringing my daughter to performances throughout the city, such as Bruce Wood Dance and Bombshell Dance Project, on top of so many others and watching her sit at the edge of her seat at times – it’s so fun to experience it through her eyes! We try to take advantage of as many experiences as possible – the city is full of free, affordable events that really capture the incredible talent we have in our community. But I have to say, the Dallas Opera’s presentation of “Dialogues of the Carmelites” took my breath away, and I wish I could have seen it again.
Why do you choose to support TACA? What about its mission or impact resonates most with you?
TACA is in many ways the backbone of our arts community – everyone involved – staff, board, volunteers – is passionate about nurturing, fostering, and growing our artists. TACA sees the individuals inside every organization and strives to model efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing mission or creativity. I can see directly and in real time how my support to TACA positively impacts our arts and cultural community.
Caroline Kim currently serves as the Director of Development for the Crow Museum of Asian Art.