A conversation with Lissa Frenkel, the CEO of the Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Lissa shares the story of the Gaillard Center, a multidisciplinary cultural hub--whose renovation was completed in 2015 under the guidance of National Medal of Arts recipient  Mayor Joe Riley-- that has since become a cornerstone of the Charleston arts community.  Lissa discusses center's mission to present diverse cultural programming, its state-of-the-art acoustics, and its commitment to serving as a platform for essential dialogue on historical and contemporary issues.

Lissa Frenkel also reflects on her role in steering the center’s initiatives, highlighting key projects such as the Denmark Vesey Bicentenary and the production of "Finding Freedom: The Journey of Robert Smalls." She emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local institutions and the impact of community-focused programming. She also discusses the center's educational outreach, which reaches thousands of students annually,  the upcoming "Fall for Democracy" series-- which aims to foster conversations around democracy and inclusion through the arts, and  how the Gaillard Center is not just a venue but a vital part of Charleston's cultural and social fabric, working to present art that is accessible and relevant to all members of the community.