Meet Paulina Dosal Terminel | ArtstillerySPACES Program Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paulina Dosal Terminel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paulina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Artstillery is a multidisciplinary arts and social justice organisation that uplifts marginalised voices through original immersive productions. We are not a theatre company, although that is the box most people try to fit us in. At our core, we are a community of artists and activists who believe in the power of art to inspire action. Through our pillars of collaboration and storytelling we have been fortunate enough to create works that weave community narratives and invite authentic reflection on shared and differing perspectives. We also have a space that we steward with the upmost care and tenderness. It is our physical home and creative refuge, although we do not always perform there. It is in the heart of West Dallas and is fully equipped to run full audiovisual production akin to that of a concert hall. Through the generous support of our donors, city/federal/foundational support and the meticulous work of our grant writing team we are able to provide our space at accessible rates to independent artists and smaller nonprofits to perform or rehearse, at a sliding scale pricing. This is central to our mission because we believe artists need space and that is how we can do our tiny bit to contribute to the creative economy in Dallas. These community events, which aren’t not produced by Artstillery or our team now live under our new offering in our website, ArtstillerySPACES: A West Dallas Arts Incubator.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Artstillery is an artist run organisation. Seven years ago, armed with nothing but a generator, a rented porta-potty, and a small grill for hotdog magic, we embarked on an adventure that felt part art, part circus. It was a weekend run that sparkled under the makeshift lights of our determination. In the heart of West Dallas, amidst three timeworn shotgun houses, a band of iconoclastic souls – artists and activists alike – pooled their dreams (and funds) to bring to life an immersive project we daringly named “Family Dollar” in 2016. With zero marketing save for word of mouth, our friends and family manned a humble folding table turned ticket booth, while a cooler brimming with beers, sodas, and water, and a grill sizzling with hot dogs, set the stage for what was to unfold.
That weekend was unforgettable. There the team was, across the street, Able Flores Jr., Michael Cleveland, Alisa Eykilis and Jennifer Culver witnessing over 150 guests meander through the spaces we had labored over all summer. Our dear friend Alisa Eyklis captured the heart of it all, photographing the audience as they journeyed through our creation. We didn’t know what to expect, but what became crystal clear was the impact of our work – both on the audience and on us. Trained in the classical arts, we all knew back in 2016 that the old mantra of “art for art’s sake” was losing its luster. What truly mattered was the scene before us: a diverse audience.
The diversity was striking – gallery owners stood shoulder to shoulder with local church members, and people heard reflections of their own stories within our art. It was a powerful moment, giving voice to a shared history and lessons for future generations. Our partner, Jennifer Culver, alongside courageous performers who joined us for a mere $75, helped bring this vision to life. We were ecstatic to not only pay our artists but also manage our personal finances without causing a stir at home – all while breaking new ground in community-based art without a nonprofit status, a dedicated space, or any formal structure. It was pure, unadulterated joy.
Fast forward to today, and while the fervor that drove us remains unchanged, our journey has evolved significantly. Our team has grown, our mission has deepened, and our impact has expanded.
Yet, at its core, our work and purpose remain steadfast. I invite you to visit our website at to witness our growth firsthand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to a show at Artstillery in West Dallas to see live music or a theatre performance, followed by a walk down the street to Manhattan Beer Project to sip on local brews and delicious farm to market eats to finish off the night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ilknur Ozgur, our fearless leader and Artstillery’s Executive Director.

Website: https://www.artstillery.org/

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

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

Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/artstillery/

Image Credits
Image credits:
Artstillery Team lead by Director of Media | Photography, Alisa Eykilis