A Conversation with Kathy Neustadt
Written by Shlomit Ovadia of JCC Denver
In anticipation of next month’s Mizel Arts and Culture Center JAAMM Festival, we sat down with our event sponsor, Kathy Neustadt, to learn about her involvement with the community and what inspires her.
Tell us about yourself!
I moved to Colorado in 1977 and have been in Denver ever since 1982. I graduated from the University of Denver.
How did you get involved in JCC Denver? What about the Mizel Arts and Culture Center (MACC)?
I had young children, and it was a good place to meet other parents, involve my kids in some of the activities, and use the gym. JCC Denver is practically in my backyard and has been kind of a social gathering place for me where I’ve made wonderful friends. It’s become like a second home to my children and me. I served as both Board President of the JCC Denver Board of Directors as well as Board Chair for the Mizel Arts and Culture Center for many years. Recently, I was asked if I wanted to become more involved in MACC. Since it was up my alley in terms of my interests, I decided to endow the JAAMM Festival.
What appealed to you about MACC?
I always loved their book festivals and looked forward to hearing authors come and speak. I liked that they were starting to expand into different cultural genres like music and of course, I was a big fan of the Jewish Film Fest. I also loved all the children’s programs they offered and watching the kids’ performances. There was just so much being offered to all age groups and there was something for everyone. I was excited to get involved both as a patron and a supporter for this organization at the J that I felt was a big, important part of the Center.
What makes JCC Denver unique?
For me, the JCC was not so much about Judaism as it was about the community. I met so many people of both Jewish and non-Jewish heritage, patrons of the arts who are just interested in art and culture. What appealed to me about the JCC is it’s not exclusive— you could be Jewish which I am, but you could also meet people from all different walks of life.
Why JAAMM?
JAAMM was just starting to expand to more than authors and book talks and the current executive director at the time, Stuart Raynor, came up with the concept of JAAMM – Jewish authors, artists, movies, and music. I loved the concept of this kind of festival and thought it was something the community would benefit from year after year, which is why I was excited to endow it: a place that continuously offers creative programming to enhance our love of arts and culture.
Can you tell us more about your interests?
I always loved reading and listening to authors talk about what inspires them. Reading books to my children was a very special part of our lives. And of course, I love all that Colorado has to offer, so I ski, hike, and spend tons of time outdoors.
My family is also involved in the Neustadt International Prize for Literature and The Neustadt Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature…those are international prizes endowed by our family. How wonderful to bring the values of the prize and my pride about what our family is involved in it to my community?
Favorite past JAAMM event?
We’ve had author Alice Hoffman who is fabulous, and I loved her talk. Also, Erik Larson who came to promote his book, “In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin.” That event sold out as well. And of course, I love Ari Melber. He’s been here a few times for JAAMM and is returning again this year which is timely since the election is right on our heels.
What can folks look forward to in this year’s JAAMM festival?
This year, we are really focusing on quality. All of the events that are scheduled are really high quality and I think appeal to a variety of our patrons and I’m super excited about the lineup.
Check out the 2024 Neustadt JAAMM Festival lineup in the image above.