By Jennie Germaine

Last week I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the Midwest Arts Conference as the 2011 David J. Fraher Future Leader.

David is the Executive Director of Arts Midwest, the organization that coordinates the conference. He was a fantastic mentor throughout my experience.

When reflecting on his advice, I realized what makes him remarkable is more than just his words; it is his ability to bring diverse people together while making each of them feel important and respected.

I recognize this can also be accomplished through the arts.

Beyond simply entertaining, the arts bring people together from all walks of life to share an experience.

The Paramount Theatre opened as a first-run movie house in 1929 with a grand parade and the vision to bring the Austin community together to be entertained in a way never before experienced.

It fulfilled this vision and became a hub of community activity.

Unfortunately the Paramount had to close its doors in 1975 as television became more prevalent and attendance started to drop. The Paramount finally re-opened in 1996 through the hard work, dedication and vision of several Austin residents.

Instead of simply renovating a building, they formed the Austin Area Commission for the Arts because they recognized what made the Paramount successful was being more than a physical place.

It provided an outlet to bring people together in meaningful ways that ultimately made Austin a better place to live.

As the Vision 2020 Big Night of Ideas is drawing near, I find myself thinking about the past in developing a vision for the future and what ideas I will bring to the Vision 2020 process.

If you have thoughts to share on how you see the Austin Area Commission for the Arts playing a role in Austin’s future, I encourage you to email me at director@paramounttheatre.org or better yet, come to the Vision 2020 event on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn.