This September, I will be turning 37. It’s not old, but it isn’t young either. It’s on the fringe of middle-age, but I can still recall the 4am parties from ten years ago.When I was young, I was radical and outspoken—sometimes to my detriment—but, I’ve learned that listening is sometimes the most radical way to live. It feels like I’ve done a lot in my 37 years, but I still have a sense that the best is yet to come. And I’ve been at the Marigold for one year now, so it’s got me thinking, what have I done?
There’s a whole lineup of astonishing individuals who died at 37 after making beautiful contributions to our world: French poet Arthur Rimbaud, Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, the Yankees’ hitter Lou Gehrig, or Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay. I’m not one for comparison, but I am one to look for inspiration. Comparison only stunts our ability while inspiration drives us towards new ventures. By 37, these individuals gave us some of the greatest poetry, paintings, homeruns, and beats our world has ever seen. And I am one summer away from considering what I’ve done with my 37 years. At some point, I think we all take the time to ask ourselves, ‘what have I done with my place in the world?’
And that question will only ever have a constantly changing answer. I’ve helped and hurt people, praised and criticized. I’ve had successful moments in my career and times I let myself down. I’ve wallowed in joy and experienced anger. I’ve helped people and I’ve frustrated people. Each of us are a nuanced shimmer of humanity, full of complications. Now, I don’t want to get to philosophical or in over my head here. So back to the point.
One thing I want to know that I have done with my life is provide space and moments for people to experience amazing and beautiful things. That could be music or dance or theatre. It could be a conversation or an opportunity to be heard or to learn. But I don’t just want to offer that space and assume everyone wants to be there. I want to build relationships that repair past hurt, to engage in conversations that grow trust, and to create momentum that sees inclusion leading the charge.
We’ve been having challenging conversations at the Marigold about what it means to understand our past to better design our future. And these conversations have me realizing: the amazing things I’ve been able to do in my 37 years are largely because of the privileges that I’ve either been handed or earned: a university education, a supportive community, a house and home, a spouse who supports me, and an income that sustains me. These privileges don’t make any of my gains wrong. They also don’t cause me guilt—I try my best to show gratitude for the gifts I’ve been given. But I’ve been given one beautiful thing that has been the foundation for all my wins and losses. And it’s something I have been learning with age that has not been afforded to each of us to the same degree: opportunity.
And if there’s anything I want to say when the clock strikes over to my 37th year, it’s that I shared opportunity with you. That I’ve provided the chance to experience things you otherwise wouldn’t have. That our organization—whether through our bursaries, summer camps, performances, or otherwise—has afforded every one of you the opportunity to share in beauty and inspiration. So there is one thing I’m asking as we move closer to announcing our summer series and our 2024/25 programming: take advantage of the opportunity to share in something new, something beautiful, something inspiring and tell me how I can better share the privilege of opportunity that I’ve been given. It’s one thing to speak gratitude, but gratitude in action is making opportunity accessible.
Our summer series, what we’ve called Office Hours, is getting announced soon with over 20 acts this summer. Our 2024/25 programming will be announced in early July. Some amazing things are on their way. After all this heavy talk, all I am really trying to say is, come have some fun. The opportunity is there.
All my best,
Marshall Feit
Executive Director
The Marigold Cultural Centre