In the tapestry of Siobhan Spain’s career, there is one common thread holding it all together: art.

Spain, director of DesMoinesArts Inc., the nonprofit organization behind the new arts incubator to go in at 900 Keosauqua Way, decided early to learn the business side of art in order to better make connections that ultimately help artists further their careers and practice.

Spain started her job at DesMoinesArts in January. Together with Justin Mandelbaum, the proprietor behind the arts incubator, she is working with the community to assess space needs and secure funding to renovate the 164,000-square-foot, four-floor building. When complete, the incubator will house 187 artist studio spaces, a theater rehearsal space and a kitchen, as well as potential office space for community groups, nonprofits and small startups.

Spain recently was featured as a Closer Look in the Business Record. Below are her responses to a few questions she was asked during the interview.

You grew up in Iowa, but left after graduating from college. Fill us in on that time spent away.

I’m kind of a nomad, so it was a given that I’d go somewhere else. I worked in Iowa City for almost a year but left after my contract was over. I loved the diversity in Iowa City, but I think I needed more because I thrive on it. Santa Fe was a logical step since my sisters and mom lived there. When I was there, I worked for Tom Joyce Blacksmithing in his studio. I then got a job at (contemporary art center) SITE Santa Fe overseeing the daily operations and exhibits. I also worked on the board of a grass-roots arts organization where I met my husband. We moved to Los Angeles together, jobless and on a whim. I’ll never do that again, but at the time it was awesome. I got a communications job with the Los Angeles Times and got to know the community through managing the newspaper’s history center. Right after Tribune Co. bought the paper, I worked with Huntington Library to get the organization to take (the paper’s records). Working there was fantastic, and I actually kept my connection with art through the photographers and writers, who practice a form of art as well. I also sat on a committee at the Santa Monica Museum of Art, organizing its primary fundraiser, and finally, directed a contemporary art gallery in Los Angeles.

What do you bring to DesMoinesArt’s table?

It’s kind of funny how all my past experiences have led to this. Even my sustainable building background comes in handy while we’re in renovation mode. I have that in mind when we talk to architects and artists about the build-out, how we can salvage and renew parts of the building. It’s hilarious what a good fit it is. I’m used to high-profile situations. There’s a big vision here, a great plan, and I’m really attracted to that.

What’s your role going to be? What’s expected of you?

Being the director means what I’m used to — wearing a lot of different hats. Being the only paid staff, I get artists through here as much as possible. We’re focusing on more established artists at this point so they can plan their studios and we can plan the build-out accordingly. My role is to find out what they need, what size studios and amenities, so when we’re ready to build out, we have a game plan. Another is helping fund-raise. I help administer grants we’ve already received and help get in touch with national foundations for grants. Another job is trying to connect with enterprising people — with different people who can create something new in the building.

 Are you a Business Record Insider? Read the full interview with Spain at BusinessRecord.com.

CONNECTION POINTS

Connect with Spain by email or on LinkedIn.