DAWN ROBINSON-PATRICK AND SKYE PATRICK
A lifelong dancer, Dawn Robinson-Patrick (right) was first drawn to arts administration “by my intrinsic desire to understand how to strengthen my craft while providing organizational support to my artist friends and collaborators.” Robinson-Patrick’s history as a contemporary modern dancer, teacher, and choreographer has influenced her 20-plus-year career in arts programming, arts education, creative consultation, and event management. Currently the Senior Manager of Programs for Grand Park at The Music Center in Los Angeles, she’s also held leadership roles with prestigious companies, including Lincoln Center, the Geffen Playhouse, and Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet. Robinson-Patrick’s wife, Skye Patrick, serves as Library Director for Los Angeles County, a position she began in 2016 after holding leadership roles at the Broward County Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, and Queens Public Library. With a commitment to breaking down barriers, Patrick led staff to establish new services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including outdoor wifi service, laptop and hotspot loans, and virtual programs encompassing all ages and interests. She was honored with Innovate@UCLA’s Community Impact Award in 2020, and is now a recipient of the Durfee Foundation’s Stanton Fellowship, which provides two years of seed money for individuals to think deeply about big questions and find ways to improve life for the people of Los Angeles. For Patrick, that means researching how 21st century libraries can be transformed to address the needs of LA county residents. “It’s funny how you can look up and realize you’ve been doing something for over 20 years,” Patrick says. “I came to libraries by way of an interest in music and documentary filmmaking—all about research. I’ve stayed with it because I can see almost daily the impact I can make on the lives of others.” Her wife also prioritizes impact and advocacy, and focuses on supporting a diverse roster of artists. “Being a lesbian woman of color impacts every aspect of my work,” Robinson-Patrick says. “It fuels my desire to support people, organizations, and opportunities that align with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It also drives my passion to fight for sustainable change when they do not align.”
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