TACA Arts Insider with Sheilon King December 13, 2024

Arts Insider with Sheilon King

What is your earliest memory of experiencing the arts, and how has that moment shaped your connection to the arts today?

I have memories of music and dancing from the time my memory begins. There was always music in the house at all times. But I have two very deliberate early memories:

When I was three years old my mother took me to see Swan Lake. As a child, you do not really understand the story, BUT you do remember the images, the beauty, the movement, and the music. I fell in love with dance and ballet in the moment at that show. I then took dance (ballet, jazz, modern, and ballroom) for the next 20 years

On Sundays, my parents listened to productions of Shakesperean plays on the radio. We would play board games (Monopoly and then Scrabble when my vocabulary improved) and experience the meter, language, and beauty of the English language.

In the past year, has an arts experience stood out to you? What made it so memorable?

There have been many unique experiences, but one that continues to stay with me is In the Conservatory with A Knife from Bombshell Dance Project. Their unique take on the game Clue was fun, interactive, and compelling. I loved the fact that you got to move around and the color-coded message through costumes and movement across three floors at the Wyly Theatre, imprinted the show on my psyche. That type of creativity expands the definition of dance and engages new cohorts of people of all ages. Loved it.

Can you share your history with TACA, from your initial involvement with TACA's grantmaking programs to your current role as a Board Member? What continues to inspire you to deepen your support over the years?

In 2015 or 2016, Carol March (who I knew from other organizations) and Tara Lewis recruited me to be a volunteer for TACA. They used my love of and background in dance to convince me that I would love to be involved. Of course, they were correct. I found out how deep the arts are here in Dallas – not just dance. I met so many committed and engaged people. It helped me to increase my attachment to my adopted home of Dallas.

In 2020 I was asked to join the Board, then co-chaired the Dance Panel, and in 2022 I was asked to co-chair Catalyst Grants overall. In order to be a rich and diverse city that appeals to a broad range of people and companies, Dallas needs to have a strong arts scene as well as really good schools, good roads, and public transportation. I believe that TACA helps arts organizations in Dallas to communicate often, collaborate more effectively, develop stronger operational skills, and highlight their work to a larger audience here in Dallas. I am proud to play a small role in helping TACA drive creativity and innovation in the arts scene to help Dallas (city and county) continue to grow, develop, and attract talent.

Sheilon King is the current co-chair of TACA's Catalyst Grants as well as a current board member and serves as a member of the TACA's Marketing Committee.

Want to receive the TACA Arts Insider sent directly to your inbox? Become a TACA Arts Aficionado today!