Deonté Griffin-Quick

1. Why did you choose to pursue a career in arts administration?

I've always been business minded so I knew I wanted to eventually be involved in management, even though I started off as a performer. I knew that I wanted to be in a position of influence to impact what audiences eventually would see on stage. But when I began working professionally, I didn't see anyone that looked like me in administration. So, I knew I had to be in the room where decisions were being made. And I battled for a while trying to balance my artistic practice and administrative work, but I finally came to the realization that administration is simply an extension of my artistic practice."

2. What does advocacy for equity and diversity in the arts mean to you?

Advocacy for equity and diversity in the arts to me means continuous work. We have operated for so long as a sector in traditional ways that have sometimes been rooted in oppression. But advocacy in these areas challenges people to imagine the possibilities. But we are not going to undo these systems, mindsets, and practices overnight. It takes continuous work, consistency, having sometimes difficult conversations. But I believe it will be SO worth it in the end. Advocacy means we are opening doors for people who have been kept out, and creating a space for them to be welcomed, valued, and respected. 

3. What do you hope to achieve as an administrator and leader? 

Wow - I hope to achieve so much! But right now, I hope to be able to influence change within our field. Particularly in my home state of New Jersey, I want to be able to bring the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion to the forefront of how we create art. Someone advocated and fought for me to have a seat at the table, so my current mission is to empower and bring visibility to other arts administrators of color. Overall, I hope to empower all people through the arts.