Happy Tuesday, everyone! We’re deep into panel season here at the Division of Cultural Affairs, and almost every day we have a panel meeting via teleconference.  The panels review grant applications, then recommend the best applications for funding by the State of Florida.

In light of this, this week’s Team Member Tuesday features Gaylen Phillips, who oversees our grants program:

Position: Arts Administrator

How long have you been with the Division? 25 transformative years

So what exactly do you DO? At this time, I manage the grants services which means I supervise the program managers. I am involved in the guidelines and application procedures for most of the grant programs and I manage several very large contracts. And a lot more stuff that’s too much to mention.

What’s your favorite part of your job? Building relationships across the state and being able to see the results of our work.

Are you an artist yourself? If so, what do you do? Yes, I’m an actor. I also sing. And I’m available.

What do you like to do for fun? Horses! I own a Paso Fino gelding name Galan Sin Par and I try to ride him every weekend. He has taught me so much about trust and being in the moment. And I really believe he has a rather wry sense of humor.

If you could go anywhere in the world to see art, where would you go and what would you see? I would always go back to Italy. And see everything.

Tell us something surprising about yourself. I used to sing and play my guitar for
money in Jackson Square in New Orleans.

Is there anything you’d like to add? I was originally hired to run the State Touring Program. I have done this successfully for almost my entire tenure here. I am working to get it back for all of us.