We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda Weise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, how does your business help the community?
My business has become my personal mission. My personal mission has been to inform and educate and provide access to the arts.

That’s really what has become clear that’s what I am supposed to be doing on this earth.

I think we’ve demonstrated over the years, that access to the arts, all kinds of culture and arts, affords people to be open-minded, to be better listeners, to be more inspired and to show what humanity is capable of.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Professionally, I don’t think I’d be able to do what I’m doing if I hadn’t had the education at the higher learning institutions I’ve had, including Oberlin Conservatory, The Julliard School, the Aspen Music Festival and the Chautauqua Institution. They were all part of my training and I learned from amazing teachers. That education gave me the basis for my arts career and led people to take what I was saying seriously.. There’s a level of trust that comes along with those pedagogues; I had the best, most accomplished teachers. The period of time on on Wall Street at City Corp. Investment Bank was initially a strange, but now very clear and important chapter in my life. I do believe that it was essential to the work I’m doing now. Business and arts need to work together. I learned about how finances work, how to sell and how money can assist the arts.

First of all, I learned early on that every challenge is an opportunity to learn. When you grow up in the arts, you hear no much often than you hear yes. Those nos, they force you into practice halls and studios so you can get better. It teaches you not to be discouraged by the no, but to learn from it. What did I learn? There’s a reason why you are being tested and it’s bigger than you. Your challenges are learning opportunities and can lead you to bigger and better opportunities.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I’d take them on a hike with me in Palmer Park. It’s so beautiful and it represents vision. In the middle of our city, Gen. Palmer had the vision to keep that undeveloped.

Of course, I’d take them to experiences around the city.

I’d make sure they experienced something at The Broadmoor hotel. I’d make sure they went to the Olympic Museum. We would catch a soccer game at Switchbacks, a concert at Colorado College. I’d take them to the restaurants — we have so many good ones. I’d take them up the top of Pikes Peak on the Cog Railway. I’d take them to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and we’d go shopping in Old Colorado City, downtown, Manitou. If there was time, I’d take them to Denver to the Denver Art Museum or to the Central City Opera, in Central City, 40 miles west of Denver.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, my mother and my father taught me focus, self-discipline, a sense of higher purpose, a life of service to everyone. In our family, those were the values they taught us. I’m so grateful for them.

Also, everyone along the way. Every single person taught me something; everyone I met played a role. Even the “bad” players had a role in teaching me great lessons. Supporters brought me strength, wisdom, trust, shared vision and, sometimes, financial resources.

Website: communityculturalcollective.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/104639338658800/community-cultural-collective-colorado-springs-city-auditorium/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindalweise/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommunityCulturalCollective

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@communityculturalcollectiv5744

Image Credits
Credit: Linda Weise

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