Daily Inspiration: Meet Iris Belensky

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iris Belensky.

Hi Iris , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started in events unexpectedly after spending six years studying International Relations. My first job after getting my Masters was with the German American Chamber of Commerce, where I imagined my trajectory would keep in line with my political and economic studies. Instead I ended up managing their largest fundraiser, the Denver Christkindlmarket, which takes place over five weeks every winter. After managing that monster of an event for four years, I found that event management perfectly fit my need for diversity, creativity, and social interaction at work. After a little experimentation in a few other positions, I found my home in Arts & Events in Louisville, CO.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not exactly struggles, but working in event management allows you to build diverse skills and thus exposes you to a lot of different career opportunities. That can be difficult to navigate and at certain points you might find yourself trying a new role that seemed interesting but ultimately isn’t for you. I think it is important to be dynamic and try different things, especially early on in your career. But if something you try doesn’t make you happy, it is important not get stuck and instead keep moving forward to get to that role that makes you feel fulfilled.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently the Arts & Events Program Manager for the City of Louisville. Our small team plans and hosts events big and small in Louisville. Our biggest events include the 4th of July Fireworks, the Labor Day Parade, and Fall Festival. But we also put on smaller, more intimate events like our recent World Music Concert Series. We also manage the public art program and are working hard to bring more visual art to the public spaces of Louisville. Our goal is to have something for everyone, so that throughout the year residents of all ages and backgrounds can find something that speaks to them in our programming.

In my mind, the work that we do is priceless. Arts and events are what make a city a home rather than just a residence. Arts and events shape the identity of a community by allowing people to experience and create memories together. Curating those experiences is a great responsibility when your goal is to foster a community that is inclusive and representative of all its constituents and their diverse experiences. But all the thought and effort feels worth it when you see people feeling moved, expressing joy, learning something new at an event you organized or in front of a piece of art that you facilitated.

How do you think about happiness?
I am happy when I feel integrated into the fabric of my community, whether during a moment of joy or sorrow. Art and events constitute an ephemeral constant in the history of human happiness and fulfillment. Art and events cannot make us constantly feel happy and connected, but they can be counted on to provide the short moments of pure joy and belonging that are sprinkled throughout our lives. Being a part of creating that experience provides me long lasting satisfaction. And knowing that another one of those moments of joy might be around the corner for me at the next event is deeply comforting.

Contact Info:

• Other: ibelensky@louisvilleco.gov

Image Credits
Andrew Schwartz
Lisa Craig
Jen Burlew