We had the good fortune of connecting with Jiles King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jiles, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I knew in high school that I wanted to create a performing arts center that centered black and brown voices and had an education program for kids and adults. I wanted to learn every part of the business hands on. I worked as a stage manager, costume designer, stage hand, marketing director, producer, theater teacher and fine arts director. Each job gave me a different insight and perspective into creating the performing arts center I’d dreamed about.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started as an actor wanting to be the next Denzel Washington. While in a production in college, I watched my director use bodies, lights, sound and costumes to create a beautiful story. I wanted to learn how to create visual stories also. I started taking directing classes and directing any project I could. I then realized that I enjoyed more than crafting stories on stage but I loved to create programming that spoke to the black and brown experience. Thus was born the Urban Arts Center.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is easy for me, as I have hosted several friends who have come in town. The first stop would be Pappadeaux on Oak Lawn. We would head over to Bishop Art Theatre Center to catch their jazz concert series.
The next day would be brunch at Saint Ann’s, an art trip over to the African American Museum, a tour of Cowboys Stadium and dinner at Kitchen + Kocktails.
Wrapping up the weekend would be lunch at Glorias in Bishop Arts then later over to the Freeman for some good music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents have always been my biggest supporters. Many people tell those who work in the arts to get a “real job.” My parents may have thought it but they never said it. They would find acting classes and workshops, attend my shows, support my ideas and cheer for me in the audience. It’s that support that allowed me to push forward and keep dreaming.

Website: urbanartsonline.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urban_artscenter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanArtsCenterDFW

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@urbanarts782

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.