DNDA Welcomes David Bestock to Youngstown!
DNDA is pleased to announce the newest member to the team. David Bestock has joined us as Director for Youngstown and we are thrilled to have found him. David is a resident of the building and brings an extensive background in the arts including theater, music and community building. We couldn’t be more fortunate to have him. Here is a short message from David…
The first time I entered the Youngstown community was to attend a small gathering in one of the live/work lofts upstairs, a small but elegant studio converted from an old classroom. I immediately asked “How do you get to live here?” I added myself to the waiting list. Two years of waiting later, I jumped when the opportunity came.
When the review panel of residents and staff asked that I present an artistic portfolio to prove that I was indeed an artist, I was stumped. I had never before called myself an artist. Moving into the Cooper Artist Lofts at Youngstown gave me the power to name myself as an artist. That was in 2009.
Four years later, the DNDA board offered me the leadership role as Director of the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. DNDA had just weathered some financial challenges and staffing cuts as a result of the economic downturn, and I knew I would be signing on for an uphill battle. The problem-solver in me was giddy…
There are significant challenges ahead of us. But I am honored to take on these challenges every day on behalf of the Youngstown community. Youngstown has gained a strong reputation throughout Seattle and beyond, thanks to intrepid leaders before me. I am indebted to them and to the stakeholders who helped make Youngstown what it is.
I am committed to pushing forward collaborative programming and supporting the youth here at the Southwest Interagency Academy and throughout Delridge. There are so many things going on here and so many ways to get involved. If you haven’t yet visited Youngstown, come check it out for yourself. I am excited to be a part of it, and thrilled to have a leading role.
Welcome David! We are very happy to have you here… Now get to work!