Introducing Joel Eduardo Guzmán
We are incredibly excited that Joel Eduardo Guzmán has joined our team at IndieSpace as an Operations Coordinator! Joel is an actor, a clown, and a culture and arts manager whose mission over the years has been to transform spaces worldwide with the power of the arts.
Joel will be leading our work at the West Village Rehearsal Co-Op, running our events, organizing our team, improving systems internally, and whatever else presents itself to IndieSpace.
Joel shared an introductory message below. Please join me in welcoming him to our IndieSpace community!
Randi Berry
Appreciation
Greetings and a big hug to all IndieSpace readers and lovers. With a contentment that runs through my entire being, many emotions, and pure gratitude, I am honored to be the new member of this great team. Joel Eduardo Guzmán is my name, and I come from the center of the island of Puerto Rico. To give you an idea, I grew up in the mountains as a creative Tarzan full of curiosity, acting with everything I could find and clowning when I had the opportunity. For example, the teachers told me if “you want to make jokes, go to the circus.” I took the advice of the adults very seriously, and after studying physical theater, I created a circus! (Thank you, teachers). I recovered a lost circus art that did not happen on our island anywhere. I enjoyed being an acrobat, clown and performed as a ringmaster for several years. I did everything! Like many of us, I used different hats to meet the challenges of artistic culture that my country faces to this day. Fighting for better working conditions for artists, challenging the policies that oppress us, and using the arts as a source of inspiration created responses to multiple crises. I carry with me that way of facing tasks to this day, and I bring them to IndieSpace with love. You know, if we perhaps share something in common, it is that we are jugglers of the arts and of everyday life. We share that circus element, which makes me appreciate each of you.
Love
Continuing with a little more history and more juggling, I took a step into administrating, completing graduate studies in marketing and administration of arts and culture. But what are studies without practice? So, I embarked on adventures of offering a little of myself in different parts of the Caribbean, the United States, and South America. During that time, I learned so much, I created other organizations and acquired diverse ways of loving and contributing to the independent arts from many points of view. That's the wisdom I gained and will share with you all: To love what you do, continue learning, and allow yourself to keep growing.
Suitcases
I arrive at IndieSpace with several suitcases, literally and figuratively (I actually have a hobby of collecting vintage suitcases). I bring one suitcase full of years and experiences. Two decades in the non-profit sector with ups and downs, stories, laughter, and creations. I bring another suitcase of dreams and hugs. It is full of dreams to fulfill in the future and hugs to share. With my colleagues, I want to continue dreaming and building a better future for independent arts in NY, embracing every opportunity and challenge with the best intentions. My goal is to carry on the organization's vision by providing expertise, humor (which is essential), and dedication. Also, you will soon know my enthusiasm for the arts, the genuine optimism I bring into each day, and some spontaneous dance moves. Lastly, I bring a bottomless suitcase. This suitcase is ready to receive lots of new opportunities and collectible moments. To receive new forms of creation, collaboration, and transformation.
It makes me so happy to be a part of this team and all the extensions it has. I am full of gratitude for those who shaped the path for this organization to be successful, for those who are not here, those who continue, and those who will come, I embrace and respect all of you.
I am at your service, ready to meet you and represent you by giving my all.
Joel Eduardo Guzmán
Operation Coordinator
joel@indiespace.org
