Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
14 <br /> Page 2 of 3 Kelly Mills <br /> developed lasting relationships with community venues where we performed. <br /> Beyond Blank Canvas, I have actively participated in community theater, taking on roles as a <br /> choreographer, dance captain, and actress. I currently teach dance at the Dance Collaborative <br /> in Chapel Hill, NC, a program offering affordable dance classes for local children, including <br /> adaptive dance classes. <br /> I am also working with Volunteers For Youth to launch a dance mentorship program in the fall. <br /> The program s goal is to provide free, high-quality dance classes to underserved children in <br /> Orange County, expanding their access to the arts. <br /> Aside from my personal experience in creating art, I am also a passionate enjoyer of the arts. I <br /> go see local shows, live music, and visual arts exhibits as often as possible, as I sincerely value <br /> the opportunity to encourage our local artists. <br /> Additionally, I have conducted several research studies exploring the benefits of arts access for <br /> underserved communities and am deeply committed to advancing the arts positive impact on <br /> society. <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> Expanding access to the arts is one of my greatest passions. The arts have had a profound <br /> impact on my life, shaping who I am today. Through the arts, I've experienced improved mental <br /> health, a stronger sense of community, and a deep sense of joy. However, many people face <br /> barriers to engaging with the arts, such as high costs, exclusivity, and transportation issues. <br /> I am committed to addressing these challenges in Orange County because I firmly believe the <br /> arts should be accessible to everyone. The true power of the arts lies in the expression of <br /> individual experiences, and increasing arts access is essential for empowering marginalized <br /> voices. I believe that arts access is critical to making Orange County a place where every <br /> member is seen and heard. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> I believe that my significant background in dance and in theater would allow me to speak for the <br /> importance of the performing arts. Although I am also passionate about visual arts, I often <br /> witness less of a focus on the performing arts, and I would be eager to contribute my <br /> perspective on the value of performing arts and the need to make the performing arts more <br /> accessible to our community. <br /> Furthermore, as a younger voice in our community, I am highly invested in working to ensure <br /> that our community is one where the arts are sustainable and integral to daily life. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> Opioid Advisory Committee <br /> Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board <br /> During my time at UNC, the opioid epidemic has been the focus of my research. As a Sociology <br /> and Human Development and Family Science major, I have conducted several studies on the <br /> impact of opioid abuse in communities, exploring topics such as early education, post- <br /> secondary attendance, recidivism, and the healthcare system. I have dedicated significant time <br /> to understanding the epidemic's root causes and its wide-ranging effects, and I am deeply <br /> knowledgeable about its complexities. <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br />