A while ago some very cool people in the West End of Alameda formed WABA (West Alameda Business Association), and then afterwards some very cool people formed WEAD (West End Arts District), and then about three years ago I went for a bike ride and saw the stage in the Healing Garden (aka The Al Fresco Dining Park) built by a very cool person (Tanoa Stewart), which gave me the idea to start doing theater on that stage in that space. Voila! The Foodbank Players came to be.
Nine plays later—and more than $30,000 in donations to the Alameda Food Bank—we are a thing, a really cool thing. But like anyone and everyone anywhere and everywhere who do cool things, we are able to do our joyful good work because of other amazing people who work behind the curtain. Tara Pilbrow from WEAD was our first supporter, soon after joined by Linda Asbury, the former executive director of WABA. Tanoa has been a big help, the folks at Calafia, Patina and Rust, and The Fireside have been so generous and kind, and now—drum roll, please—we have a new captain, the new executive director of WABA, Elissa Glickman.
Here are her replies to 5Q4: Elissa Glickman. The stage is yours, Elissa!
At what moment did you discover that you wanted to be an artist?
From the outset, let’s establish that I’m not an artist. Rather, I’m an appreciator and advocate for the arts, which I’ve parlayed into a career in arts entertainment and management.
Before moving to the Bay Area in 2021, I managed a 1,400-seat historic theater in a suburb of Los Angeles. Our programming ran the gamut from high-profile artists like John Cleese, Mindy Kaling, Robby Krieger, and Bonnie Raitt to professional nonprofit presenters such as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Los Angeles Ballet, as well as community presenters like the Glendale Youth Orchestra and the Musical Theatre Guild. Each of these artists, along with countless others, had a vision or dream for their production, and it was our job to ensure a positive experience for both the audience and the artists while bringing people to our city.
Who was the most influential person(s) who helped you achieve your goal?
One of the things that attracted me to the Executive Director position with the West Alameda Business Association (WABA) was their understanding and desire to use arts programming to attract and retain people in our district.
Tell about the best—or a best—experience you had as a performer.
In May, we launched “West is Best,” a pilot series spotlighting some of the best East Bay bands, local artists, vintage vendors, and food purveyors. WABA’s investment in these types of programs not only supports local artists and businesses but also brings people to the district, who then spend additional dollars at our shops, restaurants, and bars. This is one of those rare occasions when trickle-down economics works. Musicians make money, artisans sell their wares, brick-and-mortar establishments are introduced to new people, and WABA turns its investment into revenue for everyone. That’s my art.
Any advice to folks out there hoping to pursue a life in the arts?
Know the numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), nonprofit and for-profit arts constitute a $730 billion industry that directly employs 4.8 million arts workers. This represents 4.2 percent of the nation’s GDP—a larger share of the economy than transportation, tourism, and agriculture. And yet, it remains one of the most undervalued and underfunded professions in our country.
If you want to be a working artist, know that it’s hard work. The most successful artists work at their craft every day and understand the business side of their art. Know your value, take business classes, network, and most importantly, be bold and don’t be afraid of failing, in art and in life.
Join us for the remaining West is Best Series, August 18 and September 29 in the WABA Healing Garden. Merchants from 3-6 p.m. and live entertainment from 4-6 p.m. For more information, visit the WABA website.
Gene Kahane is the founder of the Foodbank Players, a lifelong teacher, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Alameda. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Gene-Kahane.
