Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindi Younker.
Hi Cindi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Memphis and received my Masters and Bachelor’s at the University of Alabama in political science. I spent a couple of years at the City of Germantown as the Public Information Officer before I landed at the Germantown Performing Arts Center. Enjoying five years in a larger venue truly helped build my perspective at the very intimate Buckman Arts Center..
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The pandemic was definitely a speed bump in the road that none of us saw coming. Ironically, we are required to create emergency response plans for the regional granting agency. This was absolutely not even on the list of possible threats! Learning to face the impact, recover, and rebuild after a complete shutdown has been a lesson in resilience!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the Buckman Arts Center, we are dedicated to presenting diverse, thought-provoking, and high-caliber performances that connect our Memphis community to the wider world of the arts. Our work bridges cultures, disciplines, and generations—we showcase everything from world-class dance companies and jazz musicians to innovative theatre and family programming.
We specialize in curating a season that blends internationally recognized artists with emerging voices, providing Memphis audiences with access to performances they might not otherwise experience locally. Buckman has become known for its intimate venue, where audiences and artists share a close, personal connection, and for the warmth of our hospitality, which makes every event feel like a gathering of community rather than just a show.
I am most proud of the way Buckman has built lasting relationships—with artists who return again and again because of our unique environment, and with patrons who see Buckman as a place of discovery and belonging. What sets us apart is our commitment to presenting bold, diverse programming in a setting that feels personal, accessible, and deeply rooted in community.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Memphis is the most inspirational partner! The people in the city are creative, talented, curious, and truly, the heart and soul of this community. Every conversation creates an opportunity to collaborate. Whether it’s connecting with seniors, students in the Memphis, Shelby County school system, clubs, organizations, families, or couples looking for a date night, then a conversation at six, there is always a thread that will resonate. We offer dance, piano, violin, educational outreach, master classes, live performance, visual arts, children’s programming, artists connection, rental space, and volunteer opportunities. There is truly someway that everybody in this community can connect.
Pricing:
- Buckman has never had a ticket priced over $45. It’s our goal to keep admission accessible. We offer a complementary tickets to those unlimited income.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Buckmanartscenter.com
- Instagram: Buckmanperformingartscenter
- Facebook: Buckman Performing Arts Center
