Meet the Chair of the Fundraising Committee: Kirti Malik
This month, we interviewed Kirti Malik, the fundraising chair for the Rialto Board of Trustees. A physical therapist and long-time volunteer in Westfield, Kirti brings a deep commitment to community to her role. She sees the arts as a powerful way to bring people together — with real benefits for well-being — and channels that perspective into building support for our work. Read the interview to see how a chance trip turned a Westfield newcomer into one of the Rialto’s biggest supporters.
What’s your connection to Westfield?
I’ve lived here for 21 years in our “starter home” and am almost an empty nester now!
Do you have any favorite memories of the Rialto?
Yes! The summer of 2005 (when I was 9 months pregnant) was particularly brutal. The house had no air conditioning at the time, so we escaped to the Rialto one night. March of the Penguins was playing at the time and honestly, my first impression of the theatre was a little “ick”. Who knew in the span of 2 hours, I’d fall in love with it, the town, and all my new neighbors? Random toddlers coming to hold my hand and sit on my lap during the movie, and their trusting parents made me feel so safe in our new home. I became a fan!
When did you first get involved with the Rialto?
Three years ago, I stepped away from another commitment and was asked to join the Rialto Trustees as they laid the groundwork to bring their vision to fruition. This was a highly active period for this working Board. We were taking our first steps towards fundraising, architectural design, and hiring staff.
You volunteered in the school district and for many local causes. Can you share a little bit about what volunteering means to you, and how that experience has helped you in your work with the Rialto?
I truly believe that one should do the most good where they are and when given the chance. I believe we find community through shared causes and interests, and place high value on public areas and third spaces. Volunteering fuels me and helps me feel aligned with all my interests, whether environmental, for social justice, or in arts and culture. All of these areas bring immense joy and hope to my life, as well as a connection to others. Luckily, across my different roles, I built many strong relationships, developed organizational, management, and communication skills, and gained knowledge in fundraising and event planning. All of these have been immensely helpful with my work at the Rialto.
What is your greatest hope for the Rialto?
It was encouraging to read recently that teenagers and young adults are seeking reconnection with real-life experiences. They are craving shared human activities such as concerts, movies, and classes to learn new skills. The timing could not be better to bring this community arts center to Westfield. I hope it truly becomes the gathering space we are all looking for.
You have your own physical therapy practice. As someone focused on health and wellness, do you think the arts and creativity have therapeutic benefits?
YES! There is a growing body of evidence showing both mental and physical benefits of engaging with the arts! Access to the arts can improve the quality of life for people facing a wide range of challenges, from depression and anxiety to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease. I’ve utilized music and dance to help patients move better after strokes, as well as painting to supplement PT recovery tools for elbow or wrist fractures.
What are you most looking forward to when the Rialto Center project is complete?
Seeing this iconic building restored and reinvented. Creating a thriving, vibrant anchor to our downtown. Having a lively cultural hub that welcomes visitors, invites locals to linger, and becomes the go-to for live events for our community.
What do you see as the contribution the Rialto will make to the community?
I think it will contribute in so many ways! Economic for our downtown businesses, cultural for our residents, and educational for our students (and adults). All while being accessible for underrepresented communities, and environmentally sustainable for future generations.
What do you want to tell people about the Rialto who live in nearby communities?
We are a regional, district, and county-wide space! We want to partner with and collaborate with artists throughout our greater community, and serve everyone who is interested in creativity in all its forms.
About the Rialto Center for Creativity
The Rialto Center for Creativity is transforming Westfield’s historic Rialto Theater into a vibrant hub for cultural conversation, live performances, and hands-on learning.
The Rialto Center for Creativity is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c )(3).