Meet the Board: Rafael Gonzalez

New WAA board member Rafael Gonzalez is President & CEO of Grand Performances, Los Angeles.

Tell us a bit about Grand Performances.   

Grand Performances is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts. Over the years, Grand Performances has nurtured artists from LA’s own neighborhoods, often providing early career opportunities. In addition, a longtime commitment to presenting contemporary artists from Latin America, Africa, and Central/East Asia has brought important world-class touring artists to our community and has ensured the stage reflects the many faces of Los Angeles.   

We strive to create transformative experiences that spark a greater appreciation of the arts, enrich and broaden understanding of global cultures, and encourage audiences to interact with the world around them.  

Access is an important value for us — we believe that our communities should have free access to some of the most incredible art that you can find here in Los Angeles and throughout the world, which is why platforms like WAA that help us build and reach community are essential.    

Tell us a bit about your most recent season and what guides your programming.  

We bring Los Angeles to life on our outdoor stage in the heart of downtown.  What we produce on our stage is representative of LA’s culture, stories, communities, and people. This year we expanded our programming beyond the summer season with performances and activities throughout the year. 

This summer’s season included music, dance, poetry, and film with performers such as Son Rompe Pera, Sona Jobarteh, Garrett Saracho, Martha Redbone, DJ Battlecat, Viver Brasil, Alice Bag, and Linda Lindas. We partnered with our local public television and radio stations to amplify our reach and also established partnerships with local nonprofits such as Catalyst California, CHIRLA, and Alliance for Better Communities connecting the arts with social issues of the day.    Collaboration is an important value for us, and it provides an opportunity to expand our audiences.  

How did you get connected to WAA? 

Two of my predecessors, Michael Alexander and Mari Riddle, were both very engaged with WAA, and they spoke to me of the importance of the WAA community. I met and had a great conversation with Tim Wilson [WAA’s former ED] at the 2022 California Presenters conference and learned more about WAA’s work and programs, and then I also attended the member meetup in LA in February hosted by Lula Washington Dance Theatre where I met Josh Heim. I was inspired by his energy and his vision for the organization. 

What inspired you to join the WAA board?  

I was approached by board member Tamica Washington. I was a little hesitant at first, being newer to the WAA community and knowing that there are people who have been involved for years with amazing expertise to offer, but Tamica encouraged me to consider it. I gave it some thought and figured that, while I don't have very much history with the organization personally, I do bring a valuable perspective of somebody who’s been involved in not just the arts administration sphere but also in government, in the nonprofit sector, and in philanthropy in the corporate sector. I believe those lenses provide personal insights on advocacy, organizing, partnerships, capacity building, audience development and networking.  

I was honored to be voted onto the board and I'm very grateful to our members for appointing me. I'm excited to be part of the team and supporting WAA. I’m looking forward to hearing from our members and digging into the work – particularly the current strategic planning process. I definitely want to get more involved in Conexiones, especially as we’ll be in such close proximity to Mexico and that part of the Pacific coast for the 2024 conference in San Diego.  

I know that Seattle was your first WAA conference. What was your experience?  

Rafael exploring Seattle, WAA 2023 — Jimi Hendrix statue

I was just blown away. Prior to Grand Performances, I was doing political work - this is my first arts administration job. I'm an artist and musician myself so, while music and the arts have always been a constant in my life, it's never been a career per se. Being newer in this sphere, experiencing the conference was like being a kid in a candy store! 

I met some incredible administrators and artists, and it really gave me a wider perspective in terms of the responsibility I have as the CEO of a presenting organization. It was amazing to meet and be around so many other like-minded people and to learn about the challenges and opportunities that are out there and to connect on common ground – knowing that we are all dealing with similar worries, similar questions, and we don’t have to put the burden on only ourselves to answer them.  That opportunity to build relationships with others with similar roles and experiences is so powerful. And I found that people were very open about sharing their knowledge, rather than having the attitude of, “you figure it out.” The fact folks were so willing to share their experience is wonderful, and a great learning opportunity.  

You mentioned being an artist and musician; tell us more!  

I'm a singer and I play the ukulele.  I'm in a cover band; we play hard rock, punk, country, and Tex Mex. There's no aspiration that we’re going to be the next big thing, but it’s good for my soul, it brings me together with a band of brothers and we get to experience joy, and we get to make music, and we get to go out and just play the music that we grew up with. 

I’ve also produced and written for independent film and documentary features. 

For me, music and art are intertwined with health and wellness. When I get anxious or stressed, when I know I have to step back, I will pick up my ukulele and sing my heart out.  

Let’s end with some fast Rafael facts!  

Favorite food: This is so hard because I don’t have favorites of anything, and I love all kinds of food! Right now, I’d have to say Mexican food. Or Japanese food – the freshness, aromas, colors that come with it – so delicious.  

Favorite place to visit in the Western U.S.: I love New Mexico. There is something mystical about that area. And I love Utah and Arizona. And so many places in California – Death Valley, Joshua Tree – they are sacred spaces. I love the Southwest. 

Best book you’ve read recently: A book that has been very influential for me is The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. He’s a brilliant writer. His emphasis on experience and the journey.  The importance and universal connection to storytelling and mythology.  

Pets: I have chickens! I love them and they are my pride and joy!  

A recent performance you loved: Classical ensemble La Sinfonica’s performance here at Grand Performances a few months back conducted by the amazing Sonia Marie de Leon de Vega. They played Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Piazzolla's tango-infused homage to it, Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas. It was fantastic.  

Thank you, Rafael! 

You can read Rafael’s bio here.